Architecture for home network on world wide web with private-public IP address/URL mapping

ABSTRACT

A method for providing user interfaces in a first network to a remote access device, the first network including interconnected first devices and at least one interface device for connecting the first network to a second network. The remote access device establishes communication with the second network and sends a request to the interface device for accessing the first network; at least one of the first devices obtains information from one or more of the first devices, and generates a user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information, the reference including an external address such that the device is accessible from the remote access device; the interface device sends the user interface description to the remote access device; and the remote access device displays a user interface based on the user interface description.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicants claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/220,030 entitled “Methods and Apparatus For Remotely Accessing and Controlling a Home Network,” filed on Jul. 21, 2000, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/220,032 entitled “Methods and Apparatus For Internal-External IP Address Mapping When Remotely Accessing and Controlling a Home Network,” filed Jul. 21, 2000, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

NOTICE OF INCLUSION OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of networks, and more particularly, to home networks having multi-media devices connected thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A network generally includes a communication link and various devices with communication capability connected to the communication link. The devices include computers, peripheral devices, routers, storage devices, and appliances with processors and communication interfaces. An example of a network is a home network for a household in which various devices are interconnected. A usual household can contain several devices including personal computers and home devices that are typically found in the home. As such the term “device” typically includes logical devices or other units having functionality and an ability to exchange data, and can include not only all home devices but also general purpose computers. Home devices include such electronic devices as security systems, theater equipment, TVS, VCRs, stereo equipment, and direct broadcast satellite services or (DBSS), also known as digital satellite services (DSS), sprinkler systems, lighting systems, micro waves, dish washer, ovens/stoves, washers/dryers, and a processing system in an automobile.

In general, home devices are used to perform tasks that enhance a homeowner

s life style and standard of living. For example, a dishwasher performs the task of washing dirty dishes and relieves the homeowner of having to wash the dishes by hand. A VCR can record a TV program to allow a homeowner to watch a particular program at a later time. Security systems protect the homeowner

s valuables and can reduce the homeowner's fear of unwanted entry.

Home devices, such as home theater equipment, are often controlled using a single common control unit, namely a remote control device. This single common control unit allows a homeowner to control and command several different home devices using a single interface. Thus, may manufacturers have developed control units for controlling and commanding their home devices from a single interface.

One drawback associated with using the remote control unit to command and control home devices is that it provides static and command logic for controlling and commanding each home device. Therefore, a particular remote control unit can only control and command those home devices for which it includes the necessary control and command logic. For example, if a remote control unit comprises logic for controlling a television (TV), a video cassette recorder (VCR), and a digital video device (DVD), but not a compact disk (CD) unit, the remote control unit can not be used to command and control the CD unit. In addition, as new home devices are developed, the remote control unit will not be able to control and command the new home devices that require control and command logic that was not known at the time the remote control unit was developed.

Further, typically a remote control unit can only be used to command and control those home devices that are within the signal range of the remote control unit. Therefore, a user cannot use the remote control unit from a single location in the house to control and command home devices that are interconnected, but located in separate areas of the home. For example, a VCR that is located upstairs in a bedroom may be connected to a TV that is downstairs in the family room. If a user wishes to play a tape contained in the VCR located upstairs in the bedroom, on the TV located downstairs in the family room, the user cannot control and command both the TV and the VCR from a single location.

Another drawback associated with using remote control units is that known remote control units cannot control a plurality of diverse devices, and more particularly, cannot control a plurality of devices having different capabilities to communicate with each other in order to accomplish tasks or provide a service. Further, conventional network systems do not provide a mechanism for software applications in different network devices to automatically communicate with one another in order to accomplish tasks without direct user command.

To alleviate the above problems, some network models provide a central/singular user interface (UI) in one device including static device information for networked devices for user control of network devices. However, in such networks a change to device information (e.g., ICON) in a device requires a change to, and rebuilding of, the top level page. Further, if the device displaying the central user interface becomes unavailable, user control of the network is curtailed. Another problem with the central/singular page is that every UI device must display the same page, and a scope is not provided for each manufacturer to generate its own UI look and feel nor alter the technology used in the UI device. The content of an icon/information representing a device cannot be changed, and a UI device cannot display a more prominent look to a device icon such as the icon for the UI device itself. Nor can a UI builder tool obtain e-business icons from an external Web Portal. Such a model cannot be standardized for industry use because a central/single UI device controls the UI.

Further, existing networks only allow communication and control of devices connected to a network (e.g., 1394) using said central user interface, without the ability to provide user interface and control of devices and services connected to another different network (e.g., Internet). Nor do existing networks allow remote communication with, and control of, devices connected to a network (e.g., 1394 home network) via another different network (e.g., Internet).

There is, therefore, a need for a method and a system which provides dynamic control and command devices in a home network. There is also a need for such a method and system to provide the ability for accessing devices connected to a first network and accessing devices and services connected to a second different network, and to independently generate different user interface representations of the devices connected to the first and of devices and services connected to the second network for user control and communication. There is also a need for such a method and system to provide remote communication and control of devices in a first network, from a second different network by resolving different addressing schemes between said two networks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention satisfies these needs. In one embodiment, the present invention provided a system and method for providing user interfaces in a first network to a remote access device, the first network including first devices interconnected via a communication medium, and at least one interface device for connecting said first network to at least a second network, the user interfaces for controlling the devices that are currently connected to the first network. Said method included the steps of: (a) the remote access device establishing communication with the second network; (b) the remote access device sending a request to the interface device via the second network for accessing the first network; (c) at least one of the first devices in the first network obtaining information from one or more of said first devices currently connected to the first network, said information including device information, and generating a user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information of each of said one or more first devices, said reference including an external address for the associayed device in the first network, such that the device is accessible from remote access device via the second network using said external address; (d) the interface device sending the user interface description to the remote access device via the second network; and (e) the remote access device displaying a user interface based on the user interface description, for user interaction with the first network. Prerferably the communication between the remote access device and the second network, and between the second network and the first network utilizes secure communication protocols.

The step of generating said user interface description further includes the steps of generating said external address for each associated device, including a private address of that device in the first network, an address of the first network and an address of the portal, such that said device in the first network is accessible by the remote device via the second network. The method further includes the steps of transforming said modified address to a private address including said private address of the selected device in the first network, and the interface device using the private address of the selected device in the first network to communicate with the device in the first network.

Further, interaction steps include: the interface device obtaining information from the selected device, said information including device information, and generating a device user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information of the selected device; the interface device sending the device user interface description to the remote access device via the portal; and the remote access device displaying a device user interface based on the device user interface description, for user interaction with the selected device. Thereafter, the method includes the steps of the remote access device receiving user input via the displayed device user interface, requesting control of the selected device in the first network; the remote access device sending a request for control of the selected device to the interface device via the potral, the request including said corresponding external address for the selected device; the portal sending the request to the interface device in the first network after verification; the interface device sending the request for control to the selected device, and the selected device performing a service based on the request for control; the interface debice obtaining response information from the selected device; the interface device sending the response information to the remote access device via the portal; and the remote access device displaying said response information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an example block diagram of the architecture of an embodiment of a network according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an example block diagram of the architecture another embodiment of a network according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a layered interface model that can be used for communicating between home devices in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 a shows an example architecture diagram of a DVCR server device replaying video to a DTV client device capable of displaying a user interface, in a network according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 b shows another example architecture diagram of a server device communicating with a client device capable of displaying a user interface, in a network according to the present invention;

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate example top-level GUIs representing the functions of networked devices to a user;

FIG. 7 shows an example block diagram architecture of a home network constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows an example process according to the present invention for communication between a 1394 network and a non-1394 network for IP address configuration;

FIGS. 9 a-c show example functional block diagrams of connections to data and control bits of an embodiment of a discovery system architecture in a network according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows an example flow diagram for discovery and configuration agents in the home network in connection with the functional block diagrams in FIGS. 9 a-c;

FIG. 11 shows an example flow diagram for user interface description generator agent in the home network in connection with the functional block diagrams in FIGS. 9 a-c;

FIG. 12 shows a pictorial outline of a top level network user interface description including links to external services, showing actual icon and name HTML file references and addresses, according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows example top-level GUI representing the functions of devices in a home network and services provided by an external network, based on the user interface description of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows another example process according to another aspect of the present invention for communication between a 1394 network and a non-1394 network for IP address configuration;

FIG. 15 shows an example flow diagram for user interface description generator agent in the home network for generating a top level network user interface description including links to external services, according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows a pictorial outline of a top level network user interface description including links to external services and regional identification codes (RIC) using Zip codes, showing actual icon and name HTML file references and addresses, according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 17 shows an example method of user configuration wherein a user can input general RIC information such as Zip code or area code for regional support;

FIG. 18 shows an example method of automatic configuration for obtaining IP addresses as RICs via service providers' system;

FIG. 19 shows an example flowchart of steps of an embodiment of redirection according to the present invention in conjunction with FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 shows an example flowchart of steps of another embodiment of redirection according to the present invention in conjunction with FIG. 18; and

FIG. 21 shows an example block diagram of architecture of a network system including several home networks, and several external networks, interconnected via a communication network such as the Internet, wherein redirection based on RIC is implemented according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows an example block diagram of an embodiment of an architecture for providing remote access to a home network according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 23A-D show example flowcharts of the steps of an embodiment of a method of providing remote access to a home network in FIG. 22;

FIGS. 24A-C show example flowcharts of the steps of an embodiment of a method of providing remote access to a home network in FIG. 22 using private-public (internal-external) addressing;

Appendices 1-4, illustrative examples for: (1) Top-Level Page description 250 (Appendix 1); (2) Background.htm (Appendix 2); (3) Icon.htm (Appendix 4); and (4) Name.htm (Appendix4);

Appendices 5-12, illustrative examples for the following htm files for generating the top level home network user interface description and GUI in FIGS. 12-13 including external links, wherein:

-   -   Appendix 5—illustrates Top-Level Page Example TLNUID (index.htm)     -   Appendix 6—example background.htm;     -   Appendix 7—illustrates example icon.htm;     -   Appendix 8—illustrates example name.htm;     -   Appendix 9—illustrates example logoicon1.htm;     -   Appendix 10—illustrates example logoname1.htm;     -   Appendix 11—illustrates example logoicon2.htm;     -   Appendix 12—illustrates example logoname2.htm;

Appendix 13 illustrates a Perl Example Program for Trace Route for regional service;

Appendix 14 illustrates example of a redirection program;

Appendices 15, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, and 19, illustrative examples for htm files for generating the top level home network user interface description and GUI in FIGS. 13 and 16 including external links with regional support, wherein:

-   -   Appendix 15—illustrates Top-Level Page Example TLNUID         (index.htm)     -   Appendix 16—illustrates example logoicon1.htm;     -   Appendix 17—illustrates example logoname1.htm;     -   Appendix 18—illustrates example logoicon2.htm; and     -   Appendix 19—illustrates example logoname2.htm;     -   Appendix 20—Home Network Directory Page for remote devices;     -   Appendix 21—background.htm example for remote devices;     -   Appendix 22—icon.htm example for remote devices; and     -   Appendix 23—Example name.htm for remote device

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements and steps that are common throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Network Overview

Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, a network 10 comprises multiple devices 11 including at least one client device 12 and at least one server device 14 interconnected via a communication link 16. The communication link 16 can include a 1394 serial bus providing a physical layer (medium) for sending and receiving data between the various connected home devices. The 1394 serial bus supports both time-multiplexed audio/video (AN) streams and standard IP (Internet Protocol) communications (e.g., IETF RFC 2734). In certain embodiments, a home network uses an IP network layer as the communication layer for the home network. However, other communication protocols could be used to provide communication for the home network. For example, the invention may be implemented using Function Control Protocol (FCP) as defined by IEC 61883, or any other appropriate protocol. Thus, a network may generally include two or more devices interconnected by a physical layer exchange or transfer of data in accordance with a predefined communication protocol.

Each client device 12 may communicate with one or more server devices 14 in the network 10. Further, each server device 14 may communicate with one or more other server devices 14, and one or more client devices 12, in the network 10. Each client device 12 can include a user communication interface including input devices such as a mouse and keyboard for receiving user input, and a display for providing a control user interface for a user to interact with the networked devices. The user interface can include a graphical user interface (GUI) 18 for providing information to the user. Each server device 14 includes hardware as a resource in the network for providing services to the user, and can further include a server or service control program 20 for controlling the server hardware.

Each server device 14 provides a service for the user, except control user interface, and each client device 12 provides a service including control user interface for user interaction with the network 10. As such, only client devices 12 interact directly with users, and server devices 14 interact only with client devices 12 and other server devices 14. Example services can include MPEG sourcing/sinking and display services.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a browser based network (e.g., a home network) uses Internet technology to control and command devices including client devices and server devices that are connected to a network. Each device includes device information such as interface data (e.g. HTML, XML, JAVA, JAVASCRIPT,GIF, JPEG, graphics files, or any other format useful for the intended purpose) that provides an interface for commanding and controlling of the device over the network. In certain embodiments, each device includes device information such as one or more Hypertext markup Language (HTML) pages that provide for the commanding and controlling of that device. Using the browser technology, the network employs Internet standards to render the HTML pages in order to provide users with a plurality of graphical user interface (GUIs) for commanding and controlling each device. In one example, the network is configured as an intranet.

In one embodiment, a client device comprises a device providing control interface service to a human operator, including a graphical display hardware for down communication and a mouse or other point-and-click device for up (or return) communication. A server device comprises a module supplying a service, which can be any service other than a control interface provided by a client device. As such, the server/client device relationship is a control relationship, wherein the server device provides a service but a client device can use the data, as a DTV displays video data, but need not manipulate or alter the data. It is thus consistent with this definition to observe that, frequently, a server may be a source of information and a client (a browser, for example) may be a consumer of information.

Examples of specific functions which can be implemented by server devices include: return of information (data); performance of a function (e.g., mechanical function) and return of status; return of a data steam and status; reception of a data stream and return of status; or saving of a state for subsequent action. Examples of server devices include MPEG source, sink and display servers. While a server device typically includes a custom, built-in, control program to implement control of its own hardware, a client functions to interface with the server device. However, server device as used herein does not imply that a web server and a protocol stack must be used.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a network 100 according to an aspect of the present invention. A 1394 serial bus 114, described above, electronically connects multiple devices 11 including server devices 14 (e.g., DVD 108, DVCR 110), client devices 12 (e.g., DTV 102, 103), Bridge 116, DVCR120, PC 105, cable/modem access 107, and DBS access 109, on the network 100. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a layered interface model that can be used for communicating between the devices 11 in accordance with the present invention. In this example, a device (server) 150 communicates with a client device 166 using one or more of the network communication layers 152-164. In one example, an application in the device 150 communicates with an application in the device 166 via the network layer 160. The details of lower layers 162 and 164 are not seen by the applications, whereby use of e.g. either 1394 or Ethernet does not make a difference to said applications in the devices 150, 166. Further not all the upper layers of the 7-layer model are used all the time (e.g., in the Web model (TCP/IP model) session layer 156 and presentation layer 154 are not used). As such, in one version, by employing the Internet Protocol standard for the network layer 160, the devices can communicate with each other without having to know specific details about the other communication layers (i.e. application 152, presentation 154, session 156, transport 158, data link 162 and physical 164). Thus, by employing the Internet Protocol standard for the network layer 160, the network can use a combination of different communication layers in communicating between different devices.

A single physical package can include several devices which are logically networked via a network layer for example as shown in FIG. 3 not necessarily via a physical network (e.g., such devices can include a VCR and a TV in a single housing). Where a logical device accesses a GUI to enable a user to control a device, the device and the logical device can be included in the same physical package. In such an embodiment, the physical device fetches a GUI from itself. However, in other embodiments the network interconnects separate physical devices, wherein for example, a first device fetches a GUI from a second device, to permit user interaction with the GUI to control the second device.

In a presently preferred embodiment, a 1394 serial bus is used as the physical layer 164 for the data communications on the network 100. Because of its enhanced bandwidth capabilities (e.g., enhanced and guaranteed bandwidth and isochronous stream capability), the 1394 serial bus can provide a single medium for all data communications on the network 100 (i.e. audio/video streams and command/control).

Further, the 1394 serial bus provides automatic configuration reset such that when a device is plugged in/removed all the 1394 interfaces reset, the 1394 bus reconfigures and every device knows the presence of every other device (including a newly added one or without the one just removed). Also, the 1394 interface supports a data space for configuration information that is addressable from any device allowing other devices to write/read information and make modifications e.g. to permit the operation of the network layer protocol. However, it is possible to achieve these results with different software and standards. As such, the network 100 is not restricted to using a 1394 serial bus, and, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, other bus types, such a Ethernet, ATM, wireless, etc., can be used as the physical layer if they meet the particular throughput requirements of an individual network (e.g., a home network). Further, a modified version of e.g. wireless-Ethernet can include the essential features of 1394.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the network 100 includes several devices connected to the 1394 serial bus 114. In this example, the devices include a DBSS 104 for receiving transmission signal from a satellite 122 for subsequent display. Associated with the DBSS is a network interface unit (“NIU”) which, among other things, provides an interface between the DBSS satellite transmission and the 1394 serial bus 114.

A digital video device (DVD) 108 is also connected to the exemplary network 100. The DVD 108 can be used to display digitally encoded videos on a television. Also connected to the exemplary network 100 is a digital video cassette recorder (DVCR) 110, i.e., a digital TV 102. In this example, the DTV 102 provides a human interface for the network 100 by employing browser technology to allow users to control and command for devices over the home network 100. A second DTV 103 provides another human interface for the network 100 by employing browser technology to allow users to control and command for devices over the home network 100. The DTVs 102 and 103 can provide human interfaces for the network 100 as each DTV comprises a screen for displaying HTML pages. However other devices having display capability can be used to provide human interfaces. Thus, in certain embodiments of the invention, a device such as the personal computer 105 (PC) is used to provide a human interface for a respective home network, as a PC 105 typically embodies a screen display unit.

The 1394 serial bus 114 is depicted as using the HTTP/IP interface protocol, and preferably HTTP/TCP/IP, wherein IP provides packet format (a one-way write only model), TCP provides an error free version of IP (e.g., ensures packets arrive and in correct order), and HTTP provides 2-wa connection (packet to server will expect a response—a ‘read’ model). Certain devices can require other protocol interface types (e.g., UPD/IP, FTP/IP,TELNET/IP, SNMP/IP, DNS/IP, SMTP/IP). In certain embodiments of the invention, a proxy 116 can be used to interface two networks using dissimilar interface protocols on their respective mediums which, when connected, comprise the network 100. The proxy 116 (e.g. Web proxy) can include Home Automation type protocols such as the HTML/HTTP/TCP/IP proxy for X10, Lonworks, CEBus (on their respective physical technologies), or non-IP protocols on 1394 (e.g., AVC/FCP/1394).

In certain embodiments, the two network mediums are of the same type. For example, as depicted in FIG. 2, the 1394 serial bus 114 using the HTTP/IP interface protocol is connected by a proxy 116 to the Home Automation neutral 118 (e.g., X10). By using the proxy 116 as HTML/HTTP/CTP/IP/1394 proxy for VCR-Commands/AVC/FCP/1394, to interface between HTML/HTTP/TCP/IP and X10 protocols, DVCR 120 is also accessible on the network 100. In certain other embodiments, a network can comprise two network mediums of dissimilar types, e.g., a 1394 Serial bus and Ethernet. Therefore, in certain embodiments of the invention, a proxy is used to interface two dissimilar medium types to from a single network. A discovery process, described further below, can be used for the discovery of devices that are powered on and connected to the network 100. Also, the same 1394 bus can be used without need for a bridge box.

As depicted in FIG. 2, devices 11 including DTV 102, DTV 103, PC 105, DVCR 110, DVD 108, DSS-NIU 104 and DVCR 120 represent devices that are currently connected to the network 100 comprising a 1394 network. A client-server relationship exists among the attached devices, with the DTV 102, DTV 103 and PC 105 typically behaving as clients and devices DVCR 110, DVD 108, DSS-NIU 104 and DVCR 120 behaving as servers.

A typical 1394 network comprises interconnected devices such as a collection of appliances including server devices offering one or more services to be controlled (e.g., DVCR 100 as an MPEG video recording and replay service), and client device offering a user interface (UI) service (e.g., DTV 102) for controlling the server devices. Some appliances (e.g., DTV 103) can have both services (e.g., MPEG decode and display capability) to be controlled, and a UI controller capability. According to an aspect of the present invention, methods and systems including protocols, document description, image compression and scripting language standards from technologies utilized in the World Wide Web standard (Web model) are used to implement t a 1394WEB user-to-device control model in the network 100. The Web model is a client/server model. The controlled server device (service) comprises a Web server and the controller client device (i.e., a device capable of displaying a UI) comprises a Web client including a GUI presentation engine, described further below, such as a Web browser (e.g., Explorer™, Netscape™, etc.).

User Device Control

FIG. 4 a shows a server device such as the DVCR 110 replaying MPEG video to a client device such as the DTV 102 in a network 100 according to the present invention, wherein the DTV 102 can display a user interface. The DVCR 110 includes Web server hardware and software and the DTV 102 includes Web browser software. A user can utilize the DTV 102 to request that the DTV 102 display a user interface based on the device information 202 contained in the DVCR 110 or based on the device information 204 contained in the DTV 102. For example, the user can utilize a browser 200 in the DTV 102 to display an HTML control page GUI 202 contained in the DVCR 110 or an HTML control page GUI 204 contained in the DTV 102. Each page 202, 204 includes graphical user interface description information in HTML, wherein the browser 200 reads that information to generate a graphical user interface. Each page 202, 204 represents the Control Interface of the Applications 206, 212, respectively. Each page 202, 204 can include a hierarchy of pages to represent a corresponding application control interface.

Each GUI 202 and/or 204 includes active control icons and/or buttons for the user to select and control devices currently connected to the network 100. If, for example, the user selects a PLAY button in the GUI 202 of the DVCR 110 displayed by the browser 200 on the DTV 102, a hyperlink message is returned to the DVCR 110 Web server and directed to an application software 206 (e.g., MPEG Record/Replay Service Application Software) in the DVCR 110 for operating a DVCR hardware 208. In one example, an MPEG video stream source 208 in the DVCR 110 transmits an MPEG video stream to an MPEG vide decode and display system 210 in the DTV 102 for display under the control of application control software 212 in the DTV 102. The application software 206 in the DVCR 110 also sends information back to the application software 212 in the DTV 102, including e.g. an acknolwdgement if the operation is successful, or an altered or different control GUI 202 to the DTV 102 indicating status to the user. There can be further communication between the application softwares 206 and 212 e.g. for setting up a 1394 isochronous video stream connection for video stream service.

FIG. 4 b shows another example architecture diagram of a server device communicating with a client device capable of displaying a user interface, in a network 100. The server device such as DVCR 110 replays MPEG video to the client device such as the DTV 102 in the network 100, wherein the DTV 102 can display a user interface.

Communication Protocol

In an embodiment of the invention, the communication protocol between devices in the network 100 is based on the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP 1.1), an application-level protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems. HTTP is a generic, stateless, object-oriented protocol that can be use for many tasks. A feature of HTTP is the typing and negotiation of data representation, allowing devices to be built independently of the data being transferred over the network 100 to which the devices are connected.

GUI Description Language

The description document language for defining various GUIs 202, 204 can be e.g. HTML, version 4.0, the publishing language of the World Wide Web. HTML supports text, multimedia, and hyperlink features, scripting languages and style sheets. HTML 4.0 is an SGML application conforming to International Standard ISO 8879—Standard Generalized Markup Language.

Image Compression Formats

To display images, three still image graphics compression formats specified by the HTML specification are utilized in the 1394WEB network 100 for ICON, LOGO and other graphics. The still image graphics compression formats are: Graphics Interchange Format (GIF89s), Progressive Joint Photograhic Experts Group (JPEG) and Portable Network Graphics (PNG). Table 1 shows the differences in capabilities between the three different still image graphics compression formats.

TABLE 1 Still Image Compression Formats Progressive PNG JPEG GIF89a Color Depth 48 bit 24 bit 8 bit Colors 16.7 256 Supported million Formats Raster, Vector Raster Raster Supported Compression LZ77 derivative JPEG LZW Scheme Transparency Per Pixel for No Single Color, Grayscale & RGB, 2 levels Per Color for (Binary) Indexed, 256 levels Progressive Yes Yes Yes Display Scalable No No No Animation No Yes Lossless 100% Compression Truecolor 48 bits Grayscale 16 bits 1Indexed-color yes Gamma Yes Correction (light intensity) Chromaticity Both Correction Searchable Yes Meta-Data Extensibility Yes, chunk encoded Scripting Language

Further, the Web scripting language, ECMA-Script-262, is utilized to provide a means for visually enhancing the GUI Web pages 202 as part of a Web-based client-server architecture. The scripting language is a programming language for manipulating, customizing, and automating the facilities/services of the devices. The user interface 200 provides basic user interaction functions, and the scripting language is utilized to expose that functionality to program control. The existing system provides the host environment of objects and facilities completing the capabilities of the scripting language. The web browser 200 provides the ECMA-Script host environment for client-side computation including, for example, objects that represent windows, menus, pop-ups, dialog boxes, text areas, anchors, frames, history, cookies, and input/output.

The web browser 200 provides the host environment for the EXMA-Script-262, and the host environment supports attaching scripting code to events such as change of focus, page and image loading, unloading, error and abort, selection, form submission, and mouse actions. Scripting code is included within the HTML pages 202 and 204 and the displayed page is the browser 200 includes a combination of user interface elements, and fixed and computed text and images. The scripting code responds to user interaction without need for a main program.

Client Device Specification

In one example, the specification for a 1394WEB client browser 200 includes HTTP1.1 specification, wherein section ‘8.1.2.1 Negotiation’ of the HTTP1.1 specification regarding connection persistence is modified such that an HTTP1.1 client device such as e.g. the DTV102 expects a connection to server device such as e.g. the DVCR 110 via the 1394 to remain open, because the persistent connection in 1394WEB user control allows full status reporting from the server device (DVCR 110) while the GUI 202 and/or 204 remains visible in the browser 200 of the client device (DTV 102). The HTTP connection remains open (HTTP spec RFC 2068) wherein a client that supports persistent connections may “pipeline” its requests (i.e., send multiple requests without waiting for each response). A server must send its responses to those requests in the same order that the requests were received. This allows the web browser 200 to pipeline requests to the DVCR 110 which the DVCR 110 can then satisfy later with e.g. status responses such as Now Playing, Now Recording, Rewind Finished, Tape Broken, Etc. Other example implementations include e.g. the control page from the DVCR 110 can contain a request to loop on the DVCR 100 request of GUI description 202.

The GUI presentation engine 200 is utilized in the client device such as the DTV 102 to interpret GUI descriptions 202, 204 written in the HTML4.0 document description language and the associated specifications (below), and to create the graphical form for display to the user. The GUI presentation engine 200 includes the following e.g. attributes: (1) window (GUI) minimum default size of e.g., H0×640 pixels (480×640 where 480 vertical, 640 horizontal). This default size is to insure the intended appearance in the GUIs 202, 204 is transferred to the user in the browser 200. The transferred GUIs 202, 204 are displayed in a window 480×640 pixels or magnified larger with the same aspect ratio unless otherwise directed by the user; (2) still image compression formats: e.g., GIF89a, JPEG, and PNG; (3) style sheet formats and fonts: e.g., CSS1 and CSS2; (4) fonts such as the following e.g. built-in fonts are required for the client device to free simple server appliances from having to support such fonts. Minimum one font from each generic Latin family can be selected: e.g., Times New Roman, from ‘serif’ family; Helvetica, from ‘sans-serif’ family; Zapf-Chancery, from ‘cursive’ family; Western from ‘fantasy’ family; and Courier from ‘monospace’ family. Other fonts can also be utilized; and (5) scripting language e.g., ECMA-262. Examples of the GUI presentation engine 200 include Web browsers such as Explorer™ and Netscape™ configured/customized as desired.

Server Device Specification

One or more of the server devices (e.g. a 1394WEB network, controlled appliance Web server such as the DVCR 110), include the following six enumerated components:

-   -   (1) HTTP 1.1 web server protocol, with section ‘8.1.2.1         Negotiation’ of the HTTP 1.1 specification regarding connection         modified such that an HTTP1.1 server device (e.g. DVCR 110)         assumes that a HTTP 1.1 client device (e.g., DTV 102) intends to         maintain a persistent connection with the server device. The         persistent connection in the 1394WEB network 100 allows full         status reporting from e.g. the server device DVCR 110 to the         client device DTV 102 while the GUI 202 of the DVCR 110 remains         visible in the browser 200 of the DTV 102. Further, a method         using HTTP conditional GET to obtain the latest status of server         devices can be used. Whenever the user returns to the home         network directory or causes it to be refreshed, the browser 200         redisplays the page in its entirety. This is necessary because         the HTML that underlies the home network directory may have been         regenerated if a device has been added to or removed from the         network 100. It is also possible for device icons to be updated         to reflect changes in their device's operating state. As such,         browsers implemented by EIA-775.1 devices utilize HTTP         “conditional get” requests to determine whether or not fresh         copies of web pages or graphics should be retrieved from the         server.     -   (2) Device home page GUI descriptions 202, 204 written e.g. in         HTML4.0, include file e.g. icon.htm, name.htm, logo.htm,         index.htm, gif files, etc. The file index.htm is referenced by         HTML links included in device icon.htm and name.htm HTML files,         wherein index.htm can be optionally named e.g. “INDEX.HTML” or         “INDEX.HTM”. File named INDEX.HTM is not required to be a         standard name because the ICON.HTM and NAME.HTM are made with         hyperlinks to the ‘INDEX.HTM’, therefore the name is arbitrary.         ICON.HTM and LOGO.HTM reference the actual graphics files in the         same device e.g. LOGO.GIF and ICON.GIF. The descriptions 202,         204 are accessible by the devices (e.g., HTTP devices) in the         network 100. To guarantee a desired appearance, the control GUI         design can be for a default GUI size of e.g. 480×640 pixels. For         example, a transferred GUI 202 can be displayed in a window of         480×640 pixels in the browser 200 or magnified larger with the         same aspect ratio unless otherwise directed by the user.     -   (3) At least two device ICON files are provided to represent the         device in a top-level network page 220 (FIGS. 5-6) in the         browser 200 showing information about the devices connected to         the network. An ICON can comprise a graphic file type (e.g. GIF,         JPG or PNG) and named ICON.HTM. In one example, ICON.HTM(DVCR)         references the INDEX.HTM file in the HTML page 202 and         ICON.HTM(DTV) references the INDEX.HTM file in the HTML page         204. The top-level link for the control pages (e.g., INDEX.HTM)         of the device can be ICON.HTM. The browser 200 places the icons         and links therein) of a plurality of devices in the network 100         in the top-level HN directory page 220 for service discovery by         the user. Then user clicks the ICON displayed in the page 220         and the device page (e.g. INDEX.HTM in page 202) is fetched. The         default displayed HN directory is the top-level discovery page.     -   A number of additional and different graphic icons can also be         utilized, for example, to represent device status, user         configured preference or manufacturers formats which may be         substituted for the icon graphic. In a discovery process         described further below, ICONs from the devices connected to the         network 100 are collected together and displayed in the top         level network devices page 220 for selection by a user. An         example device ICON specification comprises: File name ICON.HTM         accessible by the HTTP server (files names are in a directory,         file space, accessible by the web server so that they can be         retrieved and forwarded over the network to the browser);         Graphic file type such as GIF, JPG or PNG; and Icon graphic with         a maximum size of 70(V)×130(H) pixels.     -   (4) At least two device LOGO files are provided to represent the         device in the top-level network devices page. LOGO can comprise         a graphic file type (e.g., GIF, JPG or PNG) and named LOGO.HTM.         In one example, LOGO.HTM(DVCR) references the INDEX.HTM in the         HTML page 202 and LOGO.HTM(DTV) references the INDEX.HTM in the         HTML page 204. In one version, the top-level link for the         control pages (e.g., INDEX.HTM) of the device can be LOGO.HTM.         All device logos are placed in the top-level HN directory page         220 for service discovery by the user. Then user clicks the LOGO         displayed in the page 220 and the device page (e.g. 202) is         fetched. A number of additional and different graphics for         manufacturer services can be substituted for the logo graphic         format. According to the discovery process, LOGOs from devices         connected to the network 100 are collected together and         displayed in the top level network devices page 220 for         selection by a user. An example device LOGO specification         comprises: File name LOGO.HTM accessible by the HTTP server;         Graphic file type such as GIF, JPG or PNG; and logo graphic         maximum size of about 70(V)×130(H) pixels.     -   (5) At least one device NAME is provided to represent the device         in the top-level network devices page. NAME comprises TEXT in an         HTML file NAME.HTM. This text can also reference control pages         (e.g., 202). This is a top-level link in the discovery page to         the control interface of the device. The text provides a way to         distinguish identical devices whereby for e.g. two identical         DTV's can be distinguished by adding NAME text ‘Bedroom TV’ and         ‘Family Room TV’. The text can comprise a few words to clearly         represent the device type e.g. DVCR or DTV. According to the         discovery process, NAMEs from devices connected to the network         are accessed along with corresponding ICONs/LOGOs and displayed         in the top level network devices page 220 under the ICON/LOGO.         An example NAME specification comprises: File name NAME.HTM         accessible by the HTTP server; Text unspecified, such as, with         Font size 10, two lines of text can be displayed under the         corresponding ICON/LOGO. Therefore, for example the space size         for the NAME.HTM text can be 20 vertical by 130 horizontal to         match the ICON/LOGO (70 vertical×130 horizontal). As shown by         example in FIGS. 5-6, the format of the top-level UI 220 can         comprise a matrix of icons representing the functions of the         networked devices to the user. The name representing the device         (from name.htm) is placed under the icon (from icon.htm) from         the same device. Logo (from logo.htm) may be placed e.g. in any         vacant icon position. As the Top-level description 250         (described further below in conjunction with FIGS. 9 a-c) is         generated independently by UI capable devices, the exact design         need not be prearranged. The icon, logo and name maximum sizes         can be prearranges to facilitate design of the GUI matrix.     -   (6) A device information summary home page description document         written in HTML4.0 can be provided, named e.g. “info.html” or         “info.htm”, and made accessible by the HTTP server for the         discovery process. A link can be provided to INFO.HTM         information via control pages e.g. 202, 204. The device         information summary homepage provides the user a device summary         instead of the detailed control interface as shown in the device         homepage. Table 2 shows device attributes text that are included         and others that can be included. This table can be extended to         included other attributes.

TABLE 2 Device information summary Name Value Device Name Device name (user configurable) Device Location Device location in home (user configurable) Device Icon Current Device ICON name Device Type Device type or category (VCR, DSS, TV, etc.) Device Model Device model Manufacturer Name of device manufacturer Name Manufacturer Manufacturer Logo image name Logo Manufacturer Device manufacturer's URL URL Stream Source Service: Default source device name for this Name Default Device's destination service Stream Service: Default destination device name for this Destination Name Device's source service Default Stream Source Type of service device can deliver (attributes Attributes and capability) Stream Type of service device can receive (attributes Destination and capability) Attributes

Table 2 includes device summary information such as Manufacturer Name, Manufacturer Logo image name, and can further include a Manufacturer URL for help if there is an available Internet connection to the manufacturers Web site. Table 2 can further include a user configurable Device Name and Device Location in the home. There can be several variations of the Device Icon representing different states of the device. The Device Icon attribute field includes the name of the current icon. Therefore, the device summary information page can provide immediate device state information to the user by displaying the icon representative of current state.

Each device can include one or more services, e.g. video Stream Source or video Stream Destination. Each source capability has a complementing Default Destination capability and each destination capability has a complementing Default Source capability. This Stream Default Name entry can be used e.g. to automatically default the nearest DTV to be the destination when a DVCR is being controlled as source to eliminate having to select the DTV each time. A background cross-referencing of the Stream Default Name to 1394 address is provided. The video stream services are provided by the 1394 interface itself (not by Web model). As such there is a linkage of the default source or sink to the 1394 address mechanism. The user can access a device and select a name for default, which is then saved on the device. The device's software agent must find the 1394 address and parameters for the 1394 s/w to enable the default stream when required.

Using the Source and Destination service attributes, new server/services can be implemented while maintaining compatibility with existing host or device (nodes) and services. For example, if a new server device providing a new service is developed that is compatible with an existing server device, both the new and existing serviers can be added to the attribute list of the new node while maintaining compatibility with existing nodes using the existing server in the network 100. The user can select a compatible device for purchase. These provide a user with “ABOUT” information to check capabilities of existing equipment e.g. prior to purchasing new equipment where compatibility is desired.

Network Operation

A discovery process for every device supporting the 1394WEB standard (e.g. devices capable of displaying a user interface) gathers device information from devices connected to the network 100 to generate the top-level user control page description for the home network, wherein each device is represented by a graphical icon reference and a textual name reference detailed above. The top-level description can include a default page for a presentation engine such as the browser 200, wherein the browser 200 collects the graphic images and names from the devices as it renders the network top-level graphical user interface 220 (GUI) displayed in the browser 200 as shown by example in FIGS. 5-6. The dynamically created top-level HN directory page 220 is made the default page for the browser (first page displayed when the browser is launched).

With reference to FIG. 4 b, example operation steps include: (1) the browser 200 in device 102 is launched, (2) the browser 200 fetches and presents HN-Directory HTM (Top-Level UI) from the page 204, (3) the browser 200 fetches the HTM files icon.htm and names.htm from pages 202, 204 and presents in the Top-Level UI, (4) the browser 200 fetches any graphics files (e.g., GIF) from pages 202, 204, and presents in Top-Level UI, (5) the browser 200 is then able to present the full HN_Directory page 220 (page 220 is made with hyperlinks to ‘INDEX.HTM’ files for different devices connected to the network 100), and (6) when a user clicks e.g. DVCR icon in GUI 220 to control the DVCR 110, a corresponding hyperlink in the top-level page 220 to ‘INDEX.HTM’ of the DVCR 110 is used to retrieve the ‘INDEX.HTM’ (top control page of DVCR) from page 202 in the DVCR 110, and present the DVCR control page to the user (e.g., if the frame that was clicked (e.g. the icon.htm frame) is not large enough, a graphic is presented in another copy of the browser with full frame size). The user can then command and control the DVCR 110 using the control interface provided by ‘INDEX.HTM’ of the DVCR device 110 presented by the browser 200 in the DTV 102

The name ‘INDEX.HTM’ is arbitrary because the ICON.HTM and NAME.HTM are made with hyperlinks to the ‘INDEX.HTM’. However, ICON.HTM and LOGO.HTM reference the actual graphics files (e.g. LOGO.GIF and ICON.GIF) in the same devices. In one embodiment, LOGO.HTM can be optional if a logo for a device is optional. The HN_Directory HTML file can have a standard name so that it can be accessed from another device.

FIGS. 5-6 show that the host device, such as a client device (e.g., DTV 102, HDTV1) or server device (e.g., DVCR 110) that generates and presents the top-level GUI page 220 can assume priority and use a larger size icon for the host device's icon, name, logo, etc. In one version, only devices with servers (services on offer) are displayed in the GUI 220 (a “Client device” comprises device with Client capability, where if it is only client then it is not displayed in the top-level GUI as there is no service to offer). The discovery process reads information from the 1394 address space data storage (configuration ROM structure), as defined in clause 8 of ISO/IEC 13213. Although called ‘ROM’ it is assumed that the address space is write-able to allow user configuration and modification of user relevant stored values. The contents of the configuration ROM and the discovery process are described further below.

Device naming, addressing and discovery processes for home or local network control of consumer devices using Internet, Web and 1394 technology, can be different from the requirements and practice in the general Internet space. As such according to an aspect of the present invention for in home or local network control of consumer devices, special processes including device discovery, addressing and naming requirements are utilized. For example, the home network must fully function without the presence of external communications and services, without a network administrator, and configuration must be fully automatic. User control can be in many cases entirely keyboard-less. Further, the IEEE1394 protocol is utilized to provide a sophisticated interface including features that can be provide simple, efficient and superior discovery and configuration functions.

1394 Home Network

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a network 300 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common throughout all the figures herein. As depicted in FIG. 7, a 1394 serial bus 114, described above, electronically connects multiple devices including server devices 14 (e.g., DVD 108, DVCR 110) and client devices 12 (e.g., DTV 102) on the network 100, described above in reference to FIG. 2, wherein the devices communicate using the example layered interface model of FIG. 3 as described above.

The network 300 is not restricted to using a 1394 serial bus, and, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, other bus types, such a Ethernet, ATM wireless, etc., can be used as the physical layer if they meet the particular throughput requirements of an individual network (e.g., a home network). As depicted in FIG. 7, the network 300 includes several devices connected to the 1394 serial bus 114. In this example, the devices include a DBSS 104 for receiving transmission signal from a satellite 122 for subsequent display. Associated with the DBSS is a network interface unit (“NIU”) which, among other things, provides an interface between the DBSS satellite transmission and the 1394 serial bus 114. A digital video device (DVD) 108 is also connected to the exemplary network 300. The DVD 108 can be used to source digitally encoded videos for display on e.g. a digital television. Also connected to the exemplary network 100 is a digital video cassette recorder (DVCR) 110, a digital TV (DTV)102. In this example, the DTV 102 provides a human interface for the network 300 by employing browser technology to allow users to control and command for devices over the home network 300. A second DTV 103 provides another human interface for the network 100 by employing browser technology to allow users to control and command for devices over the home network 100. The DTVs 102 and 103 can provide human interfaces for the network 300 as each DTV comprises a screen for displaying HTML pages. However other devices having display capability can be used to provide human interfaces. Thus, in certain embodiments of the invention, a device such as a personal computer 105 (PC) is used to provide a human interface for a respective home network, as a PC 105 typically embodies a screen display unit.

The 1394 serial bus 114 is depicted as using the HTTP/IP interface protocol, and preferably HHTP/TCP/IP, wherein IP provides packet format (a one-way write only model), TCP provides an error free version of IP (e.g., ensures packets arrive and in correct order), and HTTP provides 2-wa connection (packet to server will expect a response—a ‘read’ model). Certain devices can require other protocol interface types (e.g., TCP/IP, UPD/IP, FTP/IP,TELNET/IP, SNMP/IP, DNS/IP, SMTP/IP). In certain embodiments of the invention, a proxy 116 can be used to interface two networks using dissimilar interface protocols on their respective mediums which, when connected, comprise the network 300.

For example, as depicted in FIG. 7, the 1394 serial bus 114 using the HTTP/IP interface protocol is connected by a proxy 116 to the Home Automation network 118 (e.g., X10). By using the proxy 116 as HTML/HTTP/CTP/IP/1394 proxy for VCR-Commands/AVC/FCP/1394, to interface between HTML/HTTP/TCP/IP and X10 protocols, DVCR 120 is also accessible on the network 300.

In this embodiment, the network 300 can be connected to an external network 119 of dissimilar type (e.g., Ethernet) to the 1394 Serial bus, via a bus 121. A proxy 117 is used to interface the two dissimilar medium types. For communication between the addressing scheme of the external network 119, and the addressing scheme of the network 300, the bridge 117 comprises a Network Address Translation (NAT) boundary. This technique can be utilized for company LAN's and is a ‘divide and conquer’ approach to the complex problem of satisfying various network's differing IP address requirements and prevents ‘running out of IPV4’ addresses. The external network can include e.g. CABLE-TV network 115 via Ethernet to the telephone e.g. ADSL), providing broadband connection to the Internet and WWW. The Ethernet 119 provides the bridge function to the external network. The bridge 117 or Ethernet 119 may provide the NAT address conversion function. If the Ethernet is to provide local private (to home only) addressing (e.g. as defined by then IETF standard RFC 1918) then the NAT function is in the Ethernet 119. Existing cable modems are set up with a global address and also Internet global address for the PC on the Ethernet (in this case the NAT is in the bridge 117).

IP Name/Address Configuration

The aforementioned device naming, addressing and discovery processes for the network 300 are now described. For device naming, point and click Web operation (e.g., using GUI/Web) does not require name services (DNS, Domain Name Service). The Web GUI provides an abstraction layer, and the addresses are hidden as hyper-text links invoked by user ‘clicks’ to active GUI areas (e.g., buttons). Any change to the devices in the local network 300 causes the top-level discovery GUI page 200 (FIGS. 5-6) to be recreated by the browser 200 (FIGS. 4 a-b) representing the status of the devices in the network 300 at that time and by default presented to the user for immediate use.

For device to device control a different look-up service is utilized for more than names (e.g., service look-up and application look-up). As such, DNS may not provide the necessary features for device to device control. However, a device (e.g., a 1394 connected PC) can access a DNS service as usual. DNS is not required for discovery or operation of devices/services within the home, but DNS (name to address) look-up service is required for external accesses e.g. from a PC. When a name e.g. “www.yahoo.com” is typed in to a Browser then look up take place for the IP address of the Yahoo computer, i.e. 216.32.74.52, because the Internet (even home internet) operates with addresses.

For a 775WEB UI device which includes an agent for generating the HN top-level directory GUI description and also includes access to the special company web server e.g. homewideweb.com (IP address), can also have the DNS address knowledge. The DNS server computer IP address can be any IP address under the control of the manufacturer. Effectively the DNS address is built-in to the device (or can be updated if the agent is made to be update-able and is later updated).

For device addressing, in one embodiment of the invention, utilizing fixed IP addresses from a large address space can afford the simplest and most reliable network configuration, and the readily accessible ROM data space in the 1394 interface allows utilization of fixed IP addresses therein. In another embodiment of the invention, non-fixed IP (dynamic) addresses can be utilized, wherein an abstraction layer (e.g., name or look-up mechanism) is employed to retain pre-organized communications

For IP address configuration, the following protocols can be utilized: (1) Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) with DHCP servers and DHCP clients, (2) DHCP clients resort to auto-configuration (DHCP server not present), and (3) preferably, FWHCP (Fire-Wire Host Configuration Protocol) server agent(s) and FWHCP clients, described further below. The auto-configuration in (2) above is that proposed as an IETF Draft “draft-ieft-dhc-ipv4-autoconfig-04.txt”.

DHCP requires support of the BOOTP/UDP protocol, and replicates what is done within the 1394 specification and provides features such as lease time and dynamic addressing. Typical DHCP requires management by an administrator and must be configured and adapted to the network requirements of mass manufactured consumer electronics (CE) appliances where, for example, multiple identical CE appliances with DHCP server built-ins must be considered.

The 1394 technology provides ‘Plug-in’ or ‘Power-up’ reset and following ‘Self-ID’ sequences, well suited for network configuration. Further, the 1394 specification provides a built-in ‘ROM’ address space well suited for storage of, and access to, configuration data (e.g., IP addresses). As such, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an IP address configuration agent (FWHCP) and discovery page for user control of 1394 devices are utilized. FWHCP provides IP address configuration for 1394WEB and 1394 devices. The purpose and result of FWHCP is similar to DHCP (i.e., a server to identify and assign the local IP addresses), but in operation FWHCP uses data in 1394-address space and 1394 commands. FWHCP provides IP address configuration of 1394WEB devices on the 1394 network avoiding collisions with devices on adjacent attached networks other than 1394. Devices are manufactured with a built-in IP address from the 10.x.x.x range. In the unlikely event of a collision, FWHCP sets a new IP address and saves it in the device.

DHCP/Auto-configuration can be utilized for devices on networks other than 1394. DHCP protocol provides client “requested IP address”. Preferably, the requested IP address space is selected from the upper part of the 24 bit RFC1918 range (10.128.1.1 to 10.254.254.254). By choosing part of the allowed private address range for 1394 IP addresses and another part for other configuration methods (e.g., DHCP and DHCP/Auto-Configuration) then compatible and non-interfering addresses are generated for a heterogeneous network and allow FWHCP and DHCP to coexist.

While choice of non-overlapping IP addresses for 1394 and adjacent networks is desirable, the heterogeneous network using FWHCP will configure successfully even if they do overlap. Also, DHCP clients check their assigned IP address with a test ARP message before using it. As such, different address configuration methods can coexist successfully.

Network Scenarios and Address Management

Referring to FIG. 8, an example process according to the present invention for communication between a 1394 network (e.g., network 300) and a non-1394 network (e.g., Ethernet 119) for IP address configuration is described. In this case the 1394 network 300 utilizes FWHCP configuration and the non-1394 network 119 utilizes DHCP configuration or other method. Generally, 1394 devices (such as DTV and DVCR in FIG. 7) do not support DHCP. The 1394 DEVICE-3, for 1394 network to non-1394 network communication, includes an IP address in the 1394 ROM space and provides support for FWHCP for a 1394 device. The DEVICE-3 further includes means for supporting the configuration mechanisms on the non-1394 network, and maintains an extension data leaf in the 1394 ROM space for IP addresses of devices on the non-1394 network. As such, configuration processes (e.g., FWHCP for top-level UI description generation) on the 1394 network 300 can include use of IP addresses on the non-1394 network by selecting IP addresses from the extension data leaf. The non-1394 network configuration operates to provide the IP addresses for the 1394 extension data leaf.

According to the discovery process (agent), 1394 specification ‘plug-in’ reset and self-ID is utilized for configuration and can be used for IP address configuration. Preferably, fixed IP addressing is utilized for home networks, however dynamic IP addressing can also be utilized. DNS is not required within 1394WEB control because a top-level GUI description is created with hypertext-links that use IP addresses rather than names. Preferably, the IP configuration agent (FWHCP) for the 1394 network is utilized for IP configuration using 1394 ROM data and 1394 commands, however DHCP can also be utilized. FWHCP utilizes lower half of RFC1918 10.LH.X.X addresses and other home networks (not 1394) use upper half 10.UH.X.X. Preferably, the FWHCP server agent is built-in to any device that can be a client (control initiator). Where there are several client devices connected to the 1394 network, only the client device with the highest Global Unique Identification (GUID) operates. GUID comprises a number built-in to the interface. If there are multiple FWHCP agents available on the 1394WEB network then there is an initial self-election process to determine the one that will operate and all others remain quiet. The highest GUID will operate. In other versions, highest bit-reversed-GUID can be used.

A device interfacing to a non-1394 network supports a ROM extension leaf of IP addresses on the non-1394 network. This allows inclusion of the IP addresses on the non-1394 network in the 1394 top-level GUIs (e.g., FIGS. 4 a-b, GUIs 202, 204). Control data bits in the 1394 ROM space are used to control the operation of three configuration agents: (1) 1394 Self_ID count, (2) IP configuration FWHCP, and (3) UI description generation described further below.

Initially 1394 Self-ID count discovers the existence of devices. After a bus reset (caused by power up/down or device attachment/detachment) 1394 software in the device observes the automatic configuration process (1394 self-ID cycles) for the purpose of counting the number devices. This is a normal part of 1394 software for any 1394 device. Then, IP Configuration FWHCP (the one self-elected FWHCP) probes the discovered devices and checks their built-in IP address. Discovered duplicate (colliding) IP addresses are disabled and a new address is assigned to the device. Then, UI description generation agent (UI or other devices), reads all 1394WEB device IP addresses and generates a top-level device directory Graphic User Interface file in HTML of top-level icon pages from each device later rendered by a Web browser for User discovery of devices for control.

According to the present invention each device in the 1394 network 400 can generate its own top-level network UI description 250 (FIG. 9 c). The UI description 250 is used by a presentation engine such as the browser 200 in a client device to generate and display a top level directory page such as page 220 in FIGS. 5-6. After the 1394 Self-ID agent has enumerated all devices connected to the 1394 network 300, the top-level UI description 250 is generated separately by all UI devices (and non-UI devices as desired). A device (e.g., DTV) can select a more prominent (e.g., larger) icon to represent that device, and make the entire GUI 220 with a different look. This technique provides substantially more reliable operation than a centrally generated GUI for operation of all device, because each device can generate its own UI description 250 and display a GUI (e.g., top level page 220) based thereon without dependence on another device. In each UI description 250, device icon and logo image files of the devices currently connected to the network 300 are referenced by icon and logo HTML ‘pages’ and name text wrapped in an HTML page (ICON.‘Graphic’ referenced ICON.HTM is in pages 202 and 204 which also include the control pages for the device; FIG. 5 below also shows the ICON.HTM, LOGO.HTM and NAME.HTM in a top-level directory page). HTML frames are used to create the top-level directory UI description 250 for network devices in each network device as desired.

As such, advantageously, a useful layer of abstraction is provided to allow use of alternative file names and types for e.g. identification graphics in the network devices without need for change in the top-level description 250 generated in each device. The name text is also placed in an HTML description 202, 204 (NAME.HTM is in pages 202, 204), allowing a user to configure the name text at a device e.g. DTV to change to e.g., DTV-BED2 through one of the device GUI pages 220. As such, the page 220 is displayed as the Browser is launched after a reset. The user sees and clicks DVCR ICON graphic, whereby DVCR top level control GUI 202 is fetched (with ‘Play’ button etc.). User clicks one of the buttons e.g. “Configure Device NAME” which is another GUI (of hierarchy of control pages for DVCR) with a large selection of different names.

User clicks one name out of the lists of names provided e.g. “Master Bedroom DVCR”.

Software on the device changes the file names so that the file named NAME.HTM contains the text “Master Bedroom DVCR” (the old default NAME.HTM file that contained DVCR is changed to some other name).

Appearance of the GUI 220 is more stable in the event of ‘bad citizen’ devices having too much or oversized text or oversized logos. In this case the frames isolate the problem and prevent the bad items from adversely affecting the appearance of the entire top-level GUI 220.

Device Discovery Architecture

Referring to FIGS. 9 a-c, 10, 11 example functional blocks and connections to data and control bits and flowchart of an embodiment of a system architecture 400 for the aforementioned discovery process are shown. The system 400 comprises five primary elements: (1)1394 non-volatile memory space (IEEE1212R ROM) 402 for configuration data and control data bit storage; (2) 1394 Device Discovery Agent (1394DDA) 404; (3) IP Address Configuration Agent (FWHCP) 406; (4) UI Description Generation Agent 408; and (5) GUI Generation and run-time environment 410 (e.g., Web Browser 200 in FIG. 2). Further, FIG. 10 shows an example flow diagram for the DDA and FWHCP agents in system 400 operating in connection with the functional blocks in FIGS. 9 a-c. And, FIG. 10 shows an example flow diagram for the UIDGA agent in system 400 operating in connection with the functional blocks in FIGS. 9 a-c.

Referring to FIGS. 9 a and 10 all devices include the 1394 device discovery agent (1394DDA) 404 to enumerate the devices on the 1394 bus, after a reset, and to write the value into the local 1394 ROM space 402 for communicating the value to other functional agents (steps 500, 502). For synchronizing (inhibiting) commencement of other configuration agents, the 1394DDA agent 404 also sets the ‘configuration operating’ control bits. The discovery agent/mechanism can use means, other than the ROM space, to communicate information between the configuration agents that are local to one device and where the information does not need to be seen by other devices.

1394 ROM Data in all Devices

All devices in the network 300 include the following information relevant to the discovery and IP address agents 404 and 406, respectively, for the 1394WEB in the 1394 configuration ROM 402: (1) Built-in 64 bit GUID (Global Unique ID, in 1394 specification); (2) Built-in IP address from the RFC 1918 private address space in the range ‘10.1.1.1’ to ‘10.127.254.254’. Manufacturers can select a value from the GUID such that chance of collision is minimized. The upper portion of the private address space (i.e., 10.128.1.1 to 10.254.254.254) is reserved for devices on bridged networks; (3) Assigned IP address in the range ‘10.1.1.1’ to ‘10.127.254.254’ (assigned by operating FWHCP agent 406); (4) IP address extension leaf for IP devices on bridged networks; (5) Assigned Count of 1394 devices (assigned by 1394DDA agent 404); (6) Control/status bits to indicate Configuration-in-Progress Synchronization control for 1394 Device Discovery Agent 404, and to indicate IP-Address configuration (The control bits indicate the configuration is in progress and therefore the values, in ROM data other than the control bits, for 1394DDA and IP address are not checked or not written and therefore should not be used). The bits further indicate which IP address is valid (assigned or built-in), and whether an FWHCP server agent 406 is present in the device; (7) HTTP web server to allow files in the device's file space to be accessed remotely; and (8) device information 202, 204 including actual ‘icon’, ‘name’ and ‘logo’ HTML files and other referenced graphic files accessible through the Web Server. The above summarized information is detailed in the 1394 ROM space description below.

IEEE 1212 Configuration ROM

The content of the general 1394ROM structure 402 is specified in IEEE1212r, IEEE1212 and IEC61883. The ROM structure 402 is a hierarchy of information blocks, wherein the blocks higher in the hierarchy point to the blocks beneath them. The location of the initial blocks is fixed while other entries are vendor dependent, but can be specified by entries within the higher blocks.

Table 3 shows the Bus_Info_Block and Root_Directory of the configuration ROM 402. The first byte of each entry is known as a key and identifies the type of entry. The following can be implemented in the configuration ROM of all devices making use of the EIA-775 specifications, including display devices such as DTVs and source devices such as DVCRs, STBs, etc. There may be several other structures required based on other protocols to which each device conforms. Table 3 includes information for a device which also complies with the IEC61883 protocol. The Root_directory contains pointers to a Model_Directory and three Unit_Directory entries (IEC61883, EIA-775 and 1394WEB), to indicate that the device supports EIA-775 as well as 1394WEB protocols. The Root directory entries are useful to other 1394 devices to discover the protocols and software (also called services) supported by this 1394 device.

TABLE 3 Configuration ROM

Wherein, 04 0C₁₆ and 04 10₁₆ are also known as the 64 bit GUID or Global Unique ID.

Root_directory Offset 04 14₁₆ root_length CRC 03₁₆ model_vendor_id 81₁₆ vendor_name_textual_descriptor offset 0C₁₆ node_capabilities 8D₁₆ node_unique_id offset D1₁₆ Unit_Directory offset (IEC 61883) D1₁₆ Unit_Directory offset (EIA-775) D1₁₆ Unit_Directory offset (1394WEB) Optional xx xx₁₆ C3₁₆ Model_Directory offset

The IEC_(—)61883 unit directory is shown in Table 4. This directory is referenced by the Unit_Directory offset, in the Root Directory (e.g., Root_directory table). In the Unit_SW_Version field, the least significant bit specifies AV/C (0) as specified in IEC 61883.

TABLE 4 IEC_61883 Unit Directory Unit_Directory (IEC_61883) directory length CRC 12₁₆ Unit_Spec_ID (1394TA = 00 A0 2D₁₆) 13₁₆ Unit_SW_Version (first pass key = 01₁₆) .... <<possibly other fields>> . . . . . .

The EIA-775 Unit Directory is shown in Table 5. The following EIA-775 specific information appears in the EIA-775 Unit Directory.

TABLE 5 EIA-775 Unit Directory directory length CRC 12₁₆ Unit_specification_ID (EIA-775 = 005068₁₆) 13₁₆ Unit_software_version (010100₁₆) .... <<possibly other fields>> . . . . . .

The Unit_specification_ID specifies the identity of the organization responsible for the architectural interface of the device and the specification. In this example case, the directory and identity value=005068₁₆ refers to the EIA as the responsible body and the EIA-775 control architecture specification.

The Unit_software_version designates EIA-775 revision level supported by the device. The format is shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Unit_software_version coding First octet 01₁₆ Second octet Major Version Number (currently 01₁₆) Third octet Minor Version Number (currently 00₁₆)

The 1394WEB Unit Directory is shown in Table 7. The following 1394WEB specific information appears in the 1394WEB Unit Directory.

TABLE 7 1394WEB Unit Directory directory length CRC 12₁₆ Unit_specification_ID (1394WEB = 00XXXX₁₆) 13₁₆ Unit_software_version (010100₁₆) 38₁₆ Discovery_control_bits 39₁₆ Assigned_Count_of_1394_devices 3A₁₆ IP_Address_Built_in 3B₁₆ IP_Address_Assigned IP_Address_Extension Leaf --₁₆ <<possibly other fields>>

The Unit_specification_ID specifies the identity of the organization responsible for the architectural interface of the unit and the specification. In this example case the directory and identity value=00XXXX₁₆ refers to the responsible body and the 1394WEB control architecture specification.

The Unit_software_version designates the 1394WEB revision level supported by the device. The format is shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Unit_software_version coding First octet 01₁₆ Second octet Major Version Number (currently 01₁₆) Third octet Minor Version Number (currently 00₁₆) Discovery Control Bits(38₁₆)

Key value (38₁₆) permitted by the IEEE1212R specification section 8.8 for the private use by the owner of the directory and architecture is used for the Discovery_control bits_immediate value.

TABLE 9 Discovery_control_bits FWHCP Configuration Which IP Server operating. address? Agent Do not use (if True) X Yes=1 1394 Dev. IP- Assignd_(—) Count Address 1Built-in_0 31 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 (LSB)

These are control bits in 1394 ROM space 402 accessible by local and remote device. The control bits are used by the IP address configuration agent 406 and the User Interface description generation agent 408 as described further below.

In one embodiment of the invention, said control bits provide the following information:

Bit 0—Which IP address—Indicates which IP address is used or is in-use i.e, the Bulit-In address (=FALSE) or Assigned Address (=TRUE). This is set by the operating IP configuration agent FWHCP 406.

Bits 1, 2—Configuration Operating Do not use—When set indicate that the 1394 device discovery and also, seperately, the IP configuration agents 404 and 406, respectively, are operating and therefore the values referred to are invalid as they can change or are not yet written. These bits are set by the local (device) 1394DDA agent 404. The 1394DDA agent 404 clears the 1394 Dev. Count bit and the operating FWHCP agent 406 clears the IP-address bit.

Bit 3—Presence of FWHCP Server Agent 406—Is set if the device has an operable FWHCP agent 406. This bit and GUID are used by the FWHCP agents 406 to determine which FWHCP agent 406 will operate.

Assigned Count_of_(—)1394_devices (39₁₆)—Assigned immediate value of the count of 1394 devices in the network 300. The count is made as the 1394 interface goes though its self-ID cycles. The 1394 device discovery agent 404 generates the value, which is saved in ROM space 403 for subsequent use by the IP and UI configuration agents 406 and 408, respectively.

IP_Address_Built_In (3A₁₆)—Assigned Immediate Value. This address is assigned at manufacture time and built-in to the device. If this Built-in address cannot be used, an alternative address can be saved in the Assigned address space and the control bit set to indicate such.

IP_Address_Assigned (3B₁₆)—Assigned Immediate Value. If identical IP addresses are detected, the IP address configuration agent FWHCP 406 assigns this address to prevent collision. Further, the control bit is set to indicate such.

IP_Address_Extension Leaf_for_attached_network (BC₁₆)—This directory entry is for the address offset to the data leaf for the IP address extension table, see Table 10. The data leaf contains IP addresses for devices on connected non-1394 networks (but also could be bridged 1394 networks). The table is included in communications devices of types (e.g., bridge) that connect through to foreign (non-1394) networks. The table can be expanded to include as many IP addresses as required. The address of the communications device itself should not be included in the table.

TABLE 10 IP_Address_Extension Leaf Leaf Length-1 (n)₁₆ CRC-16₁₆ IP Address 1 (e.g., 32 bit) . . . IP Address n (e.g., 32 bit)

In regards to Control word for Discovery Control Bits, use of a ROM entry for the actual Discovery Control Bits word as defined herein works but is an example implementation. As ROM is not designed to be written efficiently (i.e., ROM areas have to be erased and writing them is slow relative to other hardware e.g. register). Registers are provided in the 1394 hardware for data that must be written to frequently. In another version, a 1394 Register can be used for the ‘Discovery_control_bits’ control word. Registers are in a space also addressable by other devices, whereby another device can look up in the ROM the address of the Register and then write to that Register.

Referring FIG. 9 b, one or more devices include an IP address configuration agent (FWHCP) 406 (e.g., all UI devices and Gateway devices and any other device that can be a Control initiator). The FWHCP configuration agent 406 accesses all devices' IP address values in data in the 1394 ROM 402 across the 1394 network 300. For synchronization commencement and completion of commencement of other applications (e.g., the UI description generation), the FWHCP agent 406 also accesses the ‘configuration operating’ control bits.

Referring to FIG. 9 c, devices capable of displaying user interfaces, and also some other devices (e.g., Gateway devices), can include the UI description generation agent (UIDGA) 408 for generating the top-level UI description 250 in e.g. HTML. Because as detailed above only one IP configuration agent 406 operates per network 300, not all devices need to include the IP configuration agent 406, though all devices can include an IP configuration agent 406. If a device has the operating IP Configuration Agent 406 and is a User Interface Device then the IP configuration agent should operate before the UI Description Generation agent. The UI description generation agent (UIDGA) 408 utilizes information including control bits defined in the 1394 ROM space 402 and other information (e.g., for determining which FWHCP operates is the Global Unique ID (GUID) of Bus_Info_Block of Table 3) for determining which IP configuration agent 406 (if multiple in the network) operates, synchronizing commencement and for access to the in-use IP addresses. Any device may have and operate a UIDGA for making the HN_Directory page (top-level discovery page). After the IP addresses are configured UIDGA reads the addresses to make the HN_Directory page. In each client device, when UI description generation is complete, the GUI generation and run-time environment 410 (e.g., Web Browser 200 in FIG. 2) uses the UI description HTML file 250 to access all devices' HTTP file space for icons, names and logos (Icon.HTM, Name.HTM and Logo.HTM are contained in pages 204, and 204) to generate the full top-level GUI 220 for display in that client device. Web Browser uses HTML file 250 to render the actual GUI graphics, in the process accessing files from the devices e.g. lcon.HTM, Name.HTM and Logo.HTM and in turn accessing any additional files these files reference e.g. ICON.GIF and LOGO.GIF.

1394 Device Discovery Agent (1394DDA)

Referring to FIGS. 9 a-c, 10 as discussed, each 1394WEB device in the network 300 can include the device discovery agent 404. The device discovery agent 404 enumerates the 1394 devices in 1394 address space connected to the 1394 bus, wherein the raw discovery is performed in 1394 hardware. The Self_ID and Physical Node Number Assignment and the steps leading to it is the basic discovery process performed by the interface hardware/firmware. All devices monitor the Self_ID cycles and make a note of the existence of 1394 devices. This is a part of 1394 software for any 1394 device: (1) Reset—Bus reset propagates to all interfaces, on device power-up, device attachment and device detachment, (2) Tree Identification—Transforms a simple net topology into a tree, to establish a ROOT which is master for certain functions: Bus Cycle Master, Highest priority in arbitration for bus time, (3) Self Identification—Assigns Physical Node number (address) and also exchange speed capabilities with neighbors. Highest numbered node with both Contender Bit and Link-on Bit is Isochronous Resource Manager.

The discovery agent 404 writes the final count value of the devices to the 1394 ROM space to communicate it to other agents. The device discovery agent 404 is the first software agent to execute after a 1394 reset cycle, and control bits (Discovery Control Bits 2 and 1, Configuration Operating: 1394DDA, and IP Address) are used to delay other agents, including the configuration agents 406 and 408, from execution until the discovery agent 404 has finished execution.

In one embodiment, the 1394DDA agent 404 in each device performs the steps 500, 502 including: (1) setting synchronization control bits (i.e., ‘1394DDA in progress’ and ‘IP configuration in progress’ bits) in the device's own 1394 ROM space 402 to indicate that the 1394DDA in progress and IP configuration is in progress (IP configuration will not be in progress if 1394 DDA is executing) and that the values of 1394 device count and IP address are not valid, whereby said control bits inhibit other agents (e.g., 408) from operating prematurely; as such the 1394 DDA executes, then an elected FWHCP executes, and then (usually for UI device) UIDGA executes; (2) counting the number of 1394 self-identity sequences after a 1394 Reset to discover the number of devices and effectively their local node addresses for use by the other agents 406, 408; (3) writing the device count value to the device's own 1394 ROM space 402; and (4) clearing (e.g., to false) the synchronization control bit for ‘1394DDA in progress’ in the device's own 1394 ROM 402, wherein the ‘IP configuration in progress’ bit remains set and is cleared later by the operating FWHCP agent 406.

Alternative Architecture for Configuration with IP Address list in network communication (bridge) device is possible. For example, the IP address list of IP addresses of devices on a bridged (e.g., non-1394 network) can alternatively be examined at the IP configuration stage by the FWHCP agent 406 rather than only at the UIDGA stage by the UIDGA agent 408. This allows the FWHCP agent 406 to detect and correct address collisions and therefore allow operation without having two separately defined address ranges, one for the 1394 network 300 and one for the non-1394 network 119. Correction of address collision can be accomplished by modifying the address of a colliding 1394 device as the bridged network IP address list cannot be modified by the aforementioned agents 406, 408 for the 1394 network 300. Configuration is more reliable if the FWHCP agent 406 can check the addresses in the bridged network 119 for collision prior to allowing the addresses used on the 1394 network 300.

IP Address Configuration Agent (FWHCP Agent)

Referring to FIGS. 9 a-c, 10 the IP Address Configuration software agent (FWHCP) 406, operates to provide ‘Fixed’ IP address management and to detect and correct IP address clashes in the mass manufactured 1394 devices. All 1394WEB UI devices include, and other devices can include, an FWHCP agent 406. Only one FWHCP agent 406 operates in the network however. The 1394DDA 404 agent is the first software agent to execute after a 1394 reset cycle, and as aforementioned the 1394DDA 404 agent sets the ‘1394DDA in progress’ and ‘IP configuration in progress’ bits to delay the FWHCP agent 406 until the 1394DDA agent 404 has executed to completion.

In one embodiment, the IP Address configuration agent 406 in a device performs steps including polling the 1394DDA configuration operation control bit (i.e., the ‘1394DDA in progress’ bit) to determine if the 1394DDA configuration software agent 404 has executed to completion. If so, then the FWHCP agent 406 uses the count of devices determined by the 1394 DDA agent 404, and reads GUID's and Control Words from every device (step 504) to determine which device in the network 300 is selected to execute its FWHCP agent 406 (step 506). The selected device is one with an FWHCP agent 406 that finds it has the highest GUID (step 508). All other FWHCP agents 406 in other devices remain dormant (step 510). The operating FWHCP agent 406 reads the ‘in-use’ (active) IP address (determined by Discovery_control_bits BIT 0) from each local node (e.g. units present on the interface, host) and listed (step 512). In one version, the software agent makes a list for saving the IP addresses to an ‘Array’ as they are read (steps 514-518). The list will be in memory (RAM or DRAM) under the control of the compiler and OS. In-use status is determined by a bit setting in the device, which indicates whether the built-in or assigned address is in-use. In Table 7 the IP_address_assigned and IP_address_built_in are in the 1394Web Unit Directory.

The operating FWHCP agent 406 examines said list for collision among IP addresses listed therein (other collision detection and resolution methods can also be used) (steps 520-522). If a collision is detected, the FWHCP agent alters the colliding addresses by e.g. substituting the least significant 6 bits of IP address for their 6 bit node address (step 524). Only the minimum number of alterations are performed to relieve the collision. If one of the colliding addresses is already an assigned address, then that address is altered in preference to the colliding built-in address by e.g. incrementing the 6 bit substitute value and re-checking until the collision is resolved. The FWHCP agent 406 writes the altered value back to the device and the control bit (Discovery_Control_Bits: Bit 0) is set to indicate that the assigned IP address is in-use, and the built-in default is no longer in-use (step 526). The process is repeated for each IP address (step 528). After the collision resolution process, the operating FWHCP agent 406 accesses each device in turn and sets the ‘IP configuration in-progress’ bits in each device to e.g. ‘false’ to indicate that the indicated IP address is valid.

UI Description Generation Agent

In conventional WWW operation, users access the same top level page. Referring to FIGS. 4 b, 7 and 9-11, according to an aspect of the present invention however, all UI devices (e.g., devices capable of displaying user interfaces) include an UI description generation agent (UIDGA) 408 to independently generate a top-level UI page 220 for control of the devices on the local network (e.g., network 100, network 300, etc.) by users. In one example, a client device (e.g., PC) dynamically generates a locally saved default page 220 for user control of devices connected to the network 100. This allows each UI device (e.g., DTV 102) to generate a different view 220 of the home network e.g. with a larger more prominent icon for that UI's devices displayed. As such, the user is readily made aware of which UI device is ‘right here’ (in front of the user) or in the case of access external to the home, no device is ‘right here’. A device without a UI can generate a UI for another device but is unaware of type of device (e.g., Cable Modem generates UI of HN devices for user external to the home). In this case the actual UI device is unknown. Therefore no particular device is prominent in the GUI. Further, manufacturers of devices connected to the network 100 can provide their own GUI design 202, 204 in each device as desired. In addition later, improved Browser and Web technology designs need not be hampered by existing technology.

Non-UI devices, particularly those devices performing a gateway function, can also include a UI Description Generation agent 408 to generate top-level GUI descriptions 250, without including GUI Generation and Run-Time processes 410 (e.g., Web Browser 200) to generate and display GUIs 220. With appropriate address use (e.g., using the RFC1918 private addresses on the local HN), this allows external WWW access to the 1394WEB network devices. External addresses are assigned ‘real’ IP addresses suitable for Internet use. Generally there is a unit (e.g., gateway type unit) with the UIDGA 408 which represents the home to the outside Internet. The gateway's UIDGA generates a different UI description for the outside use (remote access case different from inside local device use), using the home's IP address with extended links to identify which home device local private IP address.

UI devices execute the following software processes to generate and display views 220 of the network 100/300: (1) 1394 Device Discovery Agent 404 described above, (2) UI Description Generation Agent (UIDGA) 408, and (3) GUI Generation and Run-Time (e.g., Web Browser 200) process 410. Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, a UIDGA agent 408 in a device performs steps including polling the IP address configuration bits in the device's own 1394 ROM 402 to ensure completion of the FWHCP agent 406, prior to accessing any further IP information (step 600). Upon completion of FWHCP agent 406, using the count of devices generated by the 1394DDA agent 404, the UIDGA agent 408 then accesses the control word in each device currently connected to the network, to determine the settings for the ‘configuration operating’ false, and ‘in-use’ IP addresses bits (the UIDGA agent 408 makes the top-level HTML page, HN_Directory page, 220 shown by e.g., in FIGS. 5-6). Thereafter, the UIDGA agent 408 reads the actual in-use IP address value, and builds a complete list of the IP addresses of the devices currently connected to the network 300. The IP address list includes information (e.g., Icon, Logo, Name, etc.) from every device, and is written in HTML by using the IP address of each device. Before it can include the addresses, the UIDGA 408 finds the address of each device by accessing each device and checking to see which address is in use by reading Table 9, Discovery_control_bit, control bit (Bit 0). Then UIDGA 408 reads Table 7 Address either Built_in or Assigned. For devices that communicate to bridged networks, as determined by the presence of the extension IP address list entry in that device's 1394 ROM 402, the UIDGA agent 408 reads the extension IP-addresses from the list (IP_Address_Extension_Leaf) to allow those devices to be included in the GUI 220. The entry BC (IP_Address_Extension_Leaf) contains a reference link address that points to the actual data leaf. Devices on the attached bridged network are only included in the IP_Address_Extension_Leaf list if they also support the 1394WEB type of service i.e. they have Web Server and lcon.HTM etc and Control pages (‘index.htm).

The UIDGA agent 408 reads the IP address list (step 602) and generates the top-level network UI description 250 (FIG. 9 c) in e.g. HTML (e.g., Appendix 1) using the IP address list (UIDGA outputs the HN_Directory, top-level network UI page, HTML file) (step 604). The UIDGA agent 408 uses the IP Addresses in the hypertext links to each device for the icon.htm, name.htm and logo.htm files. UIDGA writes an HTML file including the references to each discovered device's HTML page i.e. ICON.HTM, NAME.HTM, LOGO.HTM (e.g., Appendix 2, 3, 4). The UIDGA agent 408 then uses HTML files to reference items including the icon and logo graphics files and name data, rather than including the raw icon.gif or logo.gif and raw name text in the top level UI description 250 (step 606). This allows said items to be changed by the corresponding device to reflect current status, customized by the manufacturer or configured by the user at the device, without causing any change in the top-level HTML UI description 250 in the controlling UI device. Though one graphic per device is shown in the example GUI pages 220 (FIGS. 5-6), customization allows inclusion of more than one graphic file referenced by ICON.HTM or LOGO.HTM and more text in the NAME.HTM. In one embodiment, HTML frames are utilized to implement the UI description 250 as showing in examples further below. Use of frames stabilizes the appearance of the GUI 220 in the event of ‘bad citizen’ devices. For example a device presenting too many words or overly large text in its ‘name’ frame will only affect that device's GUI look (by having some of the words truncated and not displayed) and not adversely affect the appearance of the whole Top-level GUI 220 in the UI device. The UIDGA 408 then invokes the GUI generation process 410 (e.g., browser) in a client device to generate and display a user interface (step 608).

GUI Generation and Run-time Processes

The GUI generation process 410 (e.g., Web Browser 200) utilizes the UI description 250 in e.g. HTML to generate GUI pages 220 on UI devices. In one example, to provide keyboard-less operation for consumer electronics devices (e.g., DTV) the Browser 200 at start-up defaults to reading and rendering a locally generated ‘top-level-devices.html’ description 250 to generate the network top-level control GUI 220. Locally as used here means in the same device (a UI device having a UIDGA that generates the device's own HN Directory (top-level) GUI of the network devices). HN Directory, Top level Network UI and Discovery page are the same. For personal computers (PC) with keyboard this need not be the default. For CE devices, launch of the Browser 200 is delayed until after completion of the UIDGA default page 250 generation by the UIDGA agent 408. In the event that UIDGA agent 408 cannot complete its tasks, then the Browser 200 displays an alternative UI page 220 showing a network configuration error occurred (e.g., “Unable to generate the HN_Directory Page because of xxxxxx. Try disconnecting device xxxxxxx. Network configuration error number xxxxxx occurred. Contact service Tel service xxx-xxx-xxxx or Web service http://www.service.com.”)

To generate the GUI 220, the Browser 200 fetches the ‘icon.htm’, ‘name.htm’ and ‘logo.htm’ files from device information 202, 204 in each referenced device (i.e., in the UI description, where for example ICON.HTM is in the HN_Directory Page HTML file) as defined by the HTML UI description 250. The contents of these pages 202, 204 (e.g. the icon graphic) need not be static and can be altered dynamically to reflect device status change, or after user customization. In order to display the most current top-level page 220, the Browser 200 does not cache the ‘icon.htm’, ‘name.htm’ and ‘logo.htm’ files. In another version, a check is always made first to determine if the device has made any changes to the HTML files 202, 204 it holds. HTTP “Conditional get” is used for checking the status of controlled device. Depending on the status code returned, the Browser 200 will either read from its cache or fetch a fresh or updated copy the HTML file 202, 204 from the devices. The HWW GUI display is not affected unless there is any change of the status of the controlled device.

The browser 200 does not attempt to display the top-level HN directory until it has been completely generated. If the HTML 250 is not generated within some reasonable amount of time, the browser displays an alternate page. If a network configuration error is the source of the problem, the alternate page might provide some technical support or user diagnostic assistance.

Whenever the user returns to the top-level HN directory or causes it to be refreshed, the browser 200 redisplays the page 220 in its entirety. This is necessary because the HTML 250 that underlies the top-level HN directory may have been regenerated if a device has been added to or removed from the network 100. It is also possible for device icons to be updated to reflect changes in their device's operating state. As such, browsers implemented by EIA-775.1 devices use HTTP “conditional get” requests to determine whether or not fresh copies of web pages or graphics are retrieved from the server.

In this aspect, the present invention provides a User Interface description where user discovery of devices is thus made entirely with references (i.e. in the abstract), where the references are ‘containers’ for the discovery information (e.g., text and/or graphics) of each device and resident on each device. Each ‘container’ includes actual textual information and/or references to one or more graphics formatted information files where each file may include one or more images and/or text. Use of the reference ‘containers’ allows each device to choose its preferred UI content or graphics format or alter its UI content to be displayed (by changing the text or graphic information referred to) without need to have the UI description page altered in any way. Therefore, communication of changes with the generating agent software of the Discovery UI description is not required. In one version, devices reference their e.g. ICON and LOGO graphics files indirectly using HTML files enabled by creating the network Top-level description using HTML frames. Similarly the device name that is displayed under the icon is represented by NAME HTML file. HTML files are used to reference e.g. the icon and logo graphics files and name data rather than include the raw icon.gif or logo.gif and raw name text. This allows the item to be changed to reflect current status, customized by the manufacturer or user configured at the device without causing any change in the top-level HTML description. This level of abstraction allows the Top-level UI description to be always the same regardless of the graphics ICON and LOGO file names and types and NAME text to be displayed. Also the device may use different, multiple or dynamically change the graphics files and text displayed in the Top-level GUI without the change needing to be communicated to the UIDGA. The change is automatically included whenever the GUI is redisplayed. Use of frames also stabilizes the GUI display in the event of bad citizen devices using non-displayable graphics or text as the error is confined to the particular frame and doesn't affect the whole GUI. The change is automatically included whenever the GUI is redisplayed.

In one example, network devices top-level UI description is generated independently by any network device and certainly by devices capable of displaying UI (UI device). Generating a user interface in each device rather than generating a centrally UI, allows a device to show its own device icon/text preferentially in the GUI. In addition each GUI is manufacturer customizable, user configurable and also more reliable because it does not depend on another device e.g. a single central server. This is demonstrated with the 1394 scheme above. Multiple UI generation is enabled because all device IP addresses are accessible via the 1394 interface. UI devices (with Browser) include UIDGA agent to generate their own top-level GUI description after a 1394 reset cycle when a device attached or power-up.

All UI devices independently generate a top-level UI page for control for the local network. This is different from the conventional WWW operation wherein users access the same top level page. According to one version the present invention, the client device (e.g., PC) dynamically generates a locally saved default page file for any purpose, allowing each UI device (e.g., DTV) to generate a different view of the home network e.g. with a larger more prominent icon for its own display. Further manufacturers have scope to make their own GUI design better then another. In addition later, improved Browser and Web technology designs need not be hampered by earlier technology.

Referring to Appendices 1-4, illustrative examples for the following are provided: (1) Top-Level Page description 250 (Appendix 1); (2) Background.htm (Appendix 2); (3) Icon.htm (Appendix 4); and (4) Name.htm (Appendix4).

Linked External Web Server/Service

According to another aspect of the present invention, network configuration and user interface (UI) description generation for the home network top-level page Graphical User Interface (GUI) are performed to provide external services (e.g. web services) from an external network (e.g., Portal) as well as from home network devices 11. In one embodiment, the external network includes interconnected devices providing services (e.g., servers comprising one or more computing systems executing software for providing services). As such, in one example, manufacturer's Portal (external Web Server) services from an external network 702 (FIG. 7) are included in home network top-level user interface description 250.

In one implementation, internet gateway address of a gateway 700 is defined in an address space visible to all 1394 devices in the home network 300. Thereafter, for at least one device 11 (e.g., client device 12 such as DTV 102) in the home network 300, if a gateway 700 is detected by e.g. the discovery agent 404, then the UI description generator agent (UIDGA) 408 of that device 11 can include external IP addresses in the home network top-level UI description (TLNUID) 250 (as well as Home Network device addresses described above) of that device 11. Alternatively, each device 11 can discover the gateway device 700 by communicating and obtaining information, for example, from another device (such as DTV 103, or cable modem) to get the gateway IP address, or the device 11 can communicate with the gateway device (use gateway device's internal IP address) to get the public/external IP address of gateway device. External services from an external network 702 of interconnected devices 704, can be accessed from one or more IP addresses (or Portal) known to the UIDGA 408 when the top level GUI 220 is generated or refreshed in that device 11. In a version, the external home portal IP address is preprogrammed into the UIDGA 408, whereby the UIDGA 408 need not obtain the external address through the gateway device. In one example, each device 704 includes one or more computing/computer systems executing software for providing services (web services), wherein the devices 704 are interconnected via routers and communication links (e.g., Internet).

FIG. 12 illustrates a pictorial outline of the TLNUID 250 showing actual HTML file name reference and address of a logoicon htm file 710A (residing in a server 704 in the external network 702), and an actual HTML file name reference and address of a logoname htm file 712A (residing in a server 704 in the external network 702). FIG. 13 illustrates the Browser rendered GUI 220 based on the TLNUID 250. Content of logoicon and name items 710B, 712B in FIG. 13 for services from the Portal are refreshed whenever the top-level GUI page 220 in that device 11 is updated. Further, Portal or content page hits are generated whenever the network top-level GUI 220 in that device 11 is refreshed (and preferably not when top-level description 250 is generated).

In one example implementation, the manufacturer of a device 11 (e.g., DTV 102) can choose to program the UIDGA 408 in that device 11 to include externally provided service logos icons in the home network top-level GUI 220 of the device 11. Such functionality is built-in to the GUI description generator agent (UIDGA) 408. The service logo page 708B, logo graphics 710B and text 712B, address a web server 704 external to the home network. The logos 710B can represent, and be actively hyper-linked to, services, information, media etc. provided by devices 704 in the external network 702 via the gateway 700. Further, device icon spaces 708B unused in the Top-level Home Network device's page 220 can be filled with service logos or icons 710B and names 712B from an external Web site provided by a server device 704. In one example, there can be as many as 12 unused icon spaces for a minimum home network including one device. Referring to the example TLNUID 250 and the GUI 220 in FIGS. 12-13, there are a minimum of 12 service logo-graphic 710B, logo-name 712B sets for the GUI 220. The logo file names 710A can have a number from 1 to 12 e.g. logoicon1.htm through logoicon12.htm, and are accessed in order from lower to higher numbers. Similarly,the name file names 712A can have a number from 1 to 12 e.g. logoname1.htm through logoname12.htm, and are accessed in order from lower to higher numbers. The following example specification is similar to that for device icon described above.

A logo icon and name file, 710A, 712A, respectively, per service represent the service graphically in the Top-level Home Network devices page 250 shown in FIG. 12, and in the corresponding GUI 220 shown in FIG. 13. A graphic file 710B having a name is referenced in a corresponding HTML page 710A. The graphic 710B is hyper-linked to the service top-level page 710A. An example graphic specification can include: Graphic file type of GIF, JPG or PNG (any name), and Logo icon graphic maximum size of 70(V)×130(H) pixels. An HTML page 250 references the graphic file 710A, with the first accessed file 710A representing the primary service logo graphics 710B named logoicon1.htm 710A. Subsequent logos can use files with incrementing number. It is possible to include more than one graphic reference in logoicon1.htm. In this case the service image is hyper-linked to the service home page and the second image (e.g., logoincon1_(—)1.htm) can be hyper-linked to a different location.

Further, a minimum of one logo name file 712A includes text 712B to augment the logo graphic (logoicon.htm) in the Top-level Home Network devices page 250. The text 712B includes a few words to go with the service logo icon graphic relevant to the service. Name (e.g., “VCR livingroom” as name of a VCR in the livingroom) can include text in an HTML page called logoname1.htm. Subsequent logos can use files with incrementing number. Preferably, only the file name is standardized and not the text. The text can also be hyper-linked. An example specification can include: Text unspecified, without font restriction. As an example with Font size 10, two lines of text can be displayed under the logo icon.

An example discovery process supported by every home device 11 supporting the EIA-1394WEB standard is now described. Because user control of devices indirectly via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 220 is important for keyboard-less operation of devices 11 anywhere on the Home Network 300, and for services provided by devices 704 outside the home network 300, one function of the discovery process is to bootstrap Internet Protocol and bootstrap Web based control. The former includes device discovery 404 and IP address configuration 406 and the latter includes generation of a top-level network user interface description (TLNUID) 250 by the UIDGA 408 for the Browser default page that it renders to generate the top-level user control GUI 220. The UI description (GUI source description) 250 in FIG. 12 includes graphical icon reference 706A and a textual name reference 707A representing each device 11 in the home network 300, corresponding to graphic 706B and name 707B, respectively, in FIG. 13. The UI description (GUI source description) 250 further includes the graphical icon reference 710A and a textual name reference 712A representing each external service from the external network 702, corresponding to graphic 710B and name 712B, respectively, in FIG. 13. The Browser collects a graphic image(s) and name from each device and service, as renders the GUI 220 as shown by example in FIG. 13.

Each 1394WEB UI device 11 (e.g., client device 12 such as HDTV 102) separately generates the network top-level UI description 250, allowing the device to give priority to itself in the displayed GUI. In FIGS. 12-13 a host HDTV 102 that generates and presents the top-level GUI 220 assumes priority and uses a 4× large size icon. Different manufacturers can develop their own GUIs and can develop different ones for each device model wherein e.g. a hand-held Web controller generates a much simpler GUI than a HDTV.

For a home network connected 300 to an external network 702 such as the World Wide Web (e.g., via the internet), device (e.g., TV) manufacturers can design a device UIDGA 408 to include logo or icon pages (e.g., logoicon1.htm and logoname1.htm) hyper-linked from the manufacturer's Web site in a server 704 in the external network 702. In FIGS. 12-13 the bottom row includes e-commerce logos 712B from an example external Web Server or Home Portal, address 209.157.0.2, operated by a TV manufacturer. The primary logo item shown on the left hand side is an example logo graphic 710B and name 712B from the manufacturers Web site (e.g. domain name homewideweb.net, address 209.157.0.2). In that example, the YAHOO (TM) icon embedded in the second logo page (e.g., logoicon2.htm and logoname2.htm) is obtained from the TV manufacturer's Web site or Home Portal and not directly from the YAHOO web site. The TV manufacturer may allow customization of the GUI 220 wherein service icons and logos are obtained from a Web Server or Portal outside of the manufacturer's control.

In one example, the discovery process reads information from the 1394 address space data storage (e.g., configuration ROM structure), as defined in clause 8 of ISO/IEC 13213. Although called ‘ROM’ it is assumed that the address space is write-able to allow user configuration and modification of user relevant stored values. The discovery process substantially comprises the steps described hereinabove, with the following additional or different functions for external Web link. Each device 11 keeps an extension data leaf in 1394 ROM space for IP addresses of devices 704 on the non-1394 network 702 (e.g., FIGS. 7, 14), and additionally an immediate data value for the Internet Gateway address as information for all the 1394 devices 11. Any 1394 device 11 can discover the Gateway address. The Internet Gateway device 700 or a device (e.g., DTV 103) communicating with non-1394 network 702 supporting the gateway device 700 includes the IP address of the gateway in ROM space (1212R) as defined. One or more devices 11 (e.g., DTV 102) can make their own icon more prominent (bigger), give the entire GUI 220 a different look and include logos and icons 710B from the external portal (e.g. manufacturer or other website provided by one or more devices 704 in the external network 702). Logos 710B from an external Web site(s) or Portal can be included in the top-level GUI 220 under the control of e.g. the TV manufacturer provided DTV UI description generator 408, for various (e.g., business) purposes. One or more of the devices 11 can further include IP address of Internet Gateway (if gateway or bridge device if present), relevant to the discovery IP address for 1394WEB in the 1394 configuration ROM.

Referring to FIG. 15, during an example operation scenario of a UIDGA 408 in a device 11 (step 800), if a gateway IP address is encountered during the search of 1394 ROM space (step 802), it is noted to allow inclusion of externally accessed logos 710A, 712A in the Top-Level Network UI Description (TLNUID) 250. Then the UIDGA 408 reads the IP address list of devices in the home network 300 (step 804) discovered by the DDA 404, the UIDGA 408 obtains the home portal IP address (step 806) and generates the TLNUID 250 in HTML using the IP address list, including links to external services provided by the network 702 (step 808). As shown by example in FIG. 12, the representative format of the TLNUID 250 comprises a matrix of icon graphics and underlying text representing the functions of the devices or services to the user. The Home Network devices 11 are given priority in the valuable TLNUID device-icon space. According to the TLNUID description 250, for home network devices 11, the icon.htm 706A page contents 706B are placed in the large space and, and the name.htm 707A content 707B in the smaller of the vertically adjacent frames for each device. IP addresses of devices 11 connected to the home network 300 are used in the hypertext links to each device for their icon.htm and name.htm files (shown by examples further below) (step 810).

Further, during operation of the UIDGA 408 in a device 11, if a Gateway 700 is detected (e.g., by the DDA 404), any device-icon GUI spaces remaining as a result of e.g. having a small network, using multiple levels (e.g., moving some device icons to a second level page), etc. can be used for externally accessed logo-items 708A, at the discretion of the UIDGA 408. In the TLNUID 250, the external logo-items 708A (e.g., each a logo graphic file 710A and associated name 710B) are obtained from, for example, a manufacturer's Web server (e.g. home portal) at a fixed external IP address in the external network 702 under the control of the manufacturers UIDGA 408. The logo-items 708A include predefined page names 710A, 712A, and are accessed in number order (e.g., logoicon1.htm, logoname1.htm first and then logoicon2.htm, logoname2.htm and so on) (step 812). The manufacturer (or operator of the Web server) can insert the appropriate graphics and/or text with hyper-links inside said pages 710A, 712A. As such, in this example, logoicon1.htm 710A and logoname1.htm 712A, get included in the TLNUID 250 more often, and higher numbers are included least. The TLNUID 250 is then utilized by the browser 410 to generate and display the GUI 220 (step 814).

In example versions of the TLNUID 250, HTML files are used to indirectly reference the actual graphics files 710B and name data 712B rather than directly including the raw graphic file name/type and name text. This provides a layer of abstraction that allows the item (e.g., actual graphics files 710B and name data 712B) to be changed on the device side to reflect current status, customized by the manufacturer or user configured at the device without causing any change to the TLNUID HTML 250. Though intended for one graphic, more than one graphic file and text can be referenced by icon.htm or logoiconX.htm and graphics and text referenced in name.htm and logonameX.htm.

In example embodiments, HTML frames are used to implement the UI description 250. Use of frames stabilizes the GUI 220 appearance in the event of ‘bad citizen’ devices. For example a device presenting too many words or over large text in its ‘name’ frame will only affect that device's GUI look (by having some of the words truncated and not displayed) and not adversely affect the appearance of the whole Top-level GUI. As the Top-level description 250 is generated independently by UI capable devices (e.g. client devices 12 such as DTV 102), the exact design need not be standardized. The icon and logo graphics and name maximum sizes are standardized to facilitate design of the GUI matrix.

The top-level GUI 220 including many devices 11 and services 708B can be designed according to a prior user access frequency. Devices 11 or services 708B with higher access frequency can be given prominent display on the top-level GUI 220 or higher level GUI pages for ease of use. A software agent running with the Browser can be utilized to provide such a function. The software agent monitors the user access to each device 11 or service 708B, counts the accesses and saves the number of accesses per device/service IP address to a data file in a place that is accessible by the User Interface description generator agent UIDGA 408. The data file comprises e.g. a simple list of IP addresses and counts. If a file and count already exists for a particular IP address, the new count is added to the existing value.

In one version, the UIDGA 408 is preprogrammed with one or more IP addresses in the external network 702 to access one or more external web sites, wherein a portal comprises one or more fixed web sites. The DDA 404 discovers the devices 11 in the home network 300, while the UIDGA 408 is responsible to generate the top level TLNUID 250. The gateway 700 is used to route the data to external networks 702. Every time there is a request to access an outside network 702, for example, external portal on an internet web site, the request is routed by the gateway 700 to the outside network 702 (specified by network communication). The UIDGA 408 uses the preprogrammed external portal IP address to generate the TLNUID 250 for the top-level GUI 220 including e.g. an icon graphic representation 710B for the external services, then the GUI 200 is presented to the user. When a user accesses the external link/network by clicking on an icon 710B in the GUI 220 representing a device/service in the outside network 702, the request is sent out of home network 300 to the external network 702 through the gateway 700. The Browser 410 is used to display the top level GUI 220, just the same as the case where no external links are used. In one version, the UIDGA 408 only includes a ‘base’ external service portal IP address (e.g. a device manufacturer's web site or portal address), without the need to know the external link IP addresses of other external services such as yahoo.com, amazon.com, which are stored in the base portal web site and then provided to the GUI 220, in files such as logoicon1.htm, described by example below.

Though in the above description an example implementation describes manufacturers as placing portal information in the devices, others are possible. Further, though the external web site is described as a device manufacturer's web site, any other external web site can also be utilized.

Referring to Appendices 5-12, illustrative examples for the following htm files for generating the TLNUID and GUI in FIGS. 12-13 are provided:

Appendix 5—Top-Level Page Example TLNUID (index.htm)

Appendix 6—background.htm example

Appendix 7—icon.htm example

Appendix 8—Example name.htm

Appendix 9—Example logoicon1.htm

Appendix 10—Example logoname1.htm

Appendix 11—Example logoicon2.htm

Appendix 12—Example logoname2.htm

The Top-Level Page Example TLNUID (index.htm) 250 implements the TLNUID 250 and GUI 220 shown in FIGS. 12-13. Eight Home Network devices 11 are shown represented in the top 75% area of the GUI 200. The lower 25% of area, i.e. the bottom row, shows logo pages 708B from the manufacturer's chosen external Web Server or Portal of a fixed IP address. The TLNUID 250 is generated using frames. Hyper-links to the local device 11 graphics and name pages all use their 10.X.X.X local addresses. Hyper-links for the externally provided logo graphics and names pages 710A, 712A use the single external IP address (e.g., 209.157.0.2) provided by the manufacturer. As such control of the logo display 708B, and services offered, is provided by the TV or device manufacturer i.e. the provider of the TLNUID generator agent 408 in each of one or more devices 11. The “DVD 1” device 11 icon frame includes two graphics from the device 11. This does not affect the TLNUID 250, however when the Browser 410 renders the GUI 220, at least one icon.htm 706A can reference two graphics files, one (device graphic 721) hyper-linked to the device 11 top level control page and the other (logo 720) hyper-linked to the manufacturer Web Server for customer support, service, help, etc.

The icon.htm 706A example description page is accessed from the device 11 when the Web Browser 410 renders the top-level GUI 220 and used to fill an icon space. The browser 410 reads this page 706A and makes further accesses to the device 11 to fetch the actual graphic icon.gif 706B for display. The icon.htm 706A description shows that the device default control page index.htm is the hyper-link attached to the graphics causing the page to be fetched when invoked. When invoked the device home control page is displayed in a new Browser window.

The name.htm 707A example description page is accessed from the device 11 by the Web Browser 410 when it renders the top-level GUI 220. The text 707B contained in name.htm 707A is placed directly under the icon 706B and provides ability, through facilities provided to the user through the device control pages, to apply user-customized text under the icon.

The logoincon1.htm 710A example description page is kept on an external Web Server 704 operated by the hardware manufacturer (e.g., homewideweb.com). The page 710A can include logo graphics to enable access to a service. A hyper-link in the TLNUID 250 provides access to the external Web Server 704 supporting that particular service. In this example case the address actually corresponds to the same Web Server or the Portal supporting the logo pages themselves—domain name ‘homewideweb.com’. The logoicon1.htm 710A example description page is accessed in the Web Server 704 by the Web Browser 410 in the device 11 to render the top-level GUI 220. Similarly the file logoname1.htm 712A in the server 704 is accessed by the browser 410, and the text 712B in logoname1.htm 712A is placed directly under the logo graphic 710B and can be used to augment the graphic in describing the service.

As such there is a first hyper-link between the top level page 250 in the device 11 and the logoincon1.htm file 710A in a server 704, and there is a second hyper-link between the logoicon1.htm file 710A and the actual logo graphic 710B. The UIDGA 408 places the first hyper-link to the logoincon1.htm file 710A in the top level page 250 for use by the browser 410 to access the logoincon1.htm file 710A kept in the server 704, and the browser 410 utilizes the second hyper-link in the logoincon1.htm file 710A to access the actual logo 710B (e.g., home wide web, Yahoo (TM), Amazon (TM), etc.) to display in the GUI 220 in the device 11.

In one example, the logoicon1.htm file 710A in the home portal (e.g., server 704) includes a hypertext link to the corresponding Home Wide Web icon graphics file 710B in the home portal, and the logoiconr.htm file 710A in the home portal (e.g., server 704) includes a hypertext link to Yahoo(TM) IP address for the corresponding Yahoo icon graphics file 710B.

The logoicon2.htm hyper-link is kept on an external Web Server 704 operated by the hardware manufacturer, and is for an external Web Server supporting a particular service. In this example, the logoicon2.htm includes hyper-link to the IP address of the YAHOO(TM) domain 204.71.200.75 to reference directly to the YAHOO Web site. DNS (providing name address look-up and allowing use of the name) is not required as the user interacts with the Yahoo graphic which does not change, and its hyper-link in the logoicon2.htm page can easily be changed to reflect any new address any time the GUI 220 is redisplayed/refreshed. In one example, the actual GUI 220 is generated from the HTML description 250 at start-up or re-start after a device 11 has been added to the network 300, and at a refresh.

For the example linked external web server implementation, example Table 11 below is used instead of the unit directory table 7 above, showing the EIA-775 Unit Directory, whereby the following EIA-1394WEB specific information should appear in the EIA-1394WEB Unit Directory.

TABLE 11 EIA-1394WEB Unit Directory Directory length CRC 12₁₆ Unit_specification_ID (EIA = 005068₁₆) 13₁₆ Unit_software_version (010100₁₆) 38₁₆ Discovery_control_bits 39₁₆ Assigned_Count_of_1394_devices 3A₁₆ IP_Address_Built_in 3B₁₆ IP_Address_Assigned BC₁₆ IP_Address_Extension Leaf_for_attached_network BD₁₆ IP_Address_Internet_Gateways_Leaf --₁₆ <<possibly other fields>>

The Unit_specification_ID specifies the identity of the organization responsible for the architectural interface of the unit and the specification. In this case the directory and identity value=005068₁₆.refers to the EIA as the responsible body and the EIA-1394WEB control architecture specification.

A data leaf contains a table of gateway IP addresses to allow for more than one gateway address. It is intended for communications devices. This may be the same device or in another device on a bridged network (e.g., FIG. 7 including the 1394 and non-1394 device). An IP_Address_Internet_Gateways_Leaf (BD₁₆) directory entry is included for the address offset to the data leaf for the IP_Address_Internet_Gateways_Leaf as shown in example table 12 below. Gateway addresses are used by host client software to direct external addresses to the Internet. Filtering for external addresses is by assumed sub-net mask 255.0.0.0 for the 10.X.X.X private network.

TABLE 12 IP_Address_Internet_Gateway_Leaf Leaf Length-1 (n)₁₆ CRC-16₁₆ IP Address 1 (32 bit) . . . IP Address n (32 bit)

Further, in addition to the requirement that the Bus_Info_Block, Root_Directory, and Unit Directories be present, it is also required that a Model Directory be present (e.g., Table 13 below). The following fields (defined in IEEE1212r are required of all nodes supporting the EIA-775 specification: Model_ID, Textual descriptor for Model_ID. The Model-Directory portion of the ROM is referenced by the Model_Directory offset field in the Root Directory.

TABLE 13 Model directory Model_Directory directory length CRC 17₁₆ Model_ID 81₁₆ device_name_textual_descriptor offset .... <<possibly other fields>> . . . . . .

As used herein, in one example, services provided by the network 702, or one or more of the devices 704, includes e.g. services, information, data, transactions, e-commerce, data transfer, news, information, manufacturer web sites, etc. that can be provided by the Internet and Word Wide Web. Other services provided by other external networks are contemplated by the present invention.

Regional Service Support

In another aspect, the present invention provides Regional Service Support in home Network Top-level Home Page, and Device Manufacturer's Portal (e.g., External Web Server) provide services for networks (e.g. home networks) that include externally provided logos or icons in their home network top-level GUI (described above). The regional service support is based on the linked external web server, wherein the functionality is also built into the GUI description generator agent (UIDGA). Regional service provides advantageous features for e.g. home networks because typically information and services are localized by region. For example, such information can comprise local news, weather information, etc., and services can comprise cable service, Internet service, local TV program, etc. As such, manufacturers that include externally provided logos or icons in their home network top-level GUI can further include regional service support based on the linked external web server.

In one implementation, redirection identification code (RIC), for example regional identification code, is used for User Interface devices 11 in the home networks to identify their geographical location using e.g. one-time user configuration or automatic configuration. For example, area code, IP address or Zip code can be used as RIC. The choice of different RICs does not affect the regional service support.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19, in one embodiment, the present invention provides regional service support in home network top-level home page generating process and device manufacturer's portal services using Zip code. Regional service is supported in the top-level homepage generating process UIDGA, wherein RIC is obtained (step 820) and embedded into HTTP links to external web servers by the top-level homepage generating process UIDGA in the top level page 250 (e.g., FIG. 16) (step 822). The browser 410 displays the GUI 220 based on the top level page 250 (step 824). Manufacture's portal services 908 supports regional service, wherein regional service redirection by said manufacturer portal based on RIC is included in HTTP requests from home devices 11. When a user clicks a cable service external link in the top-level home page 250 in a User Interface (UI) device 11 (step 826), the device 11 uses the hyper-link to the portal 908 to send a an HTTP request with RIC to the portal 908 (step 828). After looking up a RIC/local service provider database 900, redirection programs 904 in the manufacturer portal 908 redirects the HTTP request to a destination portal 910 in external network 702 based on the RIC (steps 830, 832), wherein in one example, relative to the portal 908, the destination portal 910 is local to the device 11. Then, the browser 410 displays the web page of the local cable service provider for the user's specific location (region). Manufacture's portal services supports regional service, wherein regional service redirection by said manufacturer portal based on RIC is included in HTTP requests from home devices 11. The external network can comprise multiple portals 908 and multiple portals 910.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 20, the RIC of a device 11 is obtained when the device 11 dials in home portal 908, the portal 908 obtains phone area code (for example, by caller ID) (step 840). The portal 908 can map area code to another RIC, for example zip code, and the software agent 902 in the device 11 receives the RIC. The additional steps 842-852 in FIG. 20 are similar to steps 822-832 in FIG. 19, and are not repeated.

In one example scenario, when a user with a user interface device 11, such as a Samsung (TM) HDTV 102 in Los Angeles, clicks on the external link icon for e.g. cable services, an HTTP request/inquiry is sent to the Samsung Home Network portal with the RIC in the URL from that HDTV 102, wherein said Samsung portal redirects the inquiry to e.g. a cable service provider in Los Angeles based on that RIC. The Samsung portal redirects the inquiry to a cable service local to that HDTV 102 based on the RIC in the inquiry. In this example process, the Samsung portal receives the RIC from the HTTP get message or post message. As such, in this example, an HDTV 102 in a network 300 in New York has a different RIC than the HDTV 102 in Los Angeles in another network 300, wherein each RIC indicates geographical area of a HDTV. The portal 908 redirects requests for service from each HDTV in a different geographical area to a portal 910 local to the requesting HDTV based on the RIC of that HDTV (FIG. 21).

Regional Identification Code

As described, a regional identification code (RIC) is utilized for UI devices 11 to identify geographical location of such devices 11 in different networks. The RIC can comprise e.g. zip code (5 digit or 9 digit), phone area code, IP address of the device or the home network, IP address of the service provider, or any other identification information. The RIC can also comprise a combination of the above examples. For example, using zip code or phone area code, the geographical location of the UI device and the local service provider in the geographical area can be determined. Because each local Internet Service Provider (ISP) is typically assigned fixed IP addresses or IP address block, and they further assign certain IP addresses or blocks to a regional area, this allows determination of the ISP and region information from an IP address. The portal can use this regional information to further provide the web page of the local service provider (e.g., cable or other services). In one version, e.g. a 5-digit Zip code is used as RIC, while in another version e.g. 9-digit Zip code is used for detailed geographical information. The choice of 5-digit or 9-digit Zip code does not affect the regional service support. The choice between Zip code, area code, IP address or other possible codes does not affect the regional service support as describe herein.

Portal Service with Regional Support

For portal service with regional support, in one example a home device manufacture's portal services supports regional service (i.e., regional redirect service) based on RIC enclosed in the HTTP request from the home devices 11. The portal with regional support redirects the HTTP request to a URL local to the request based on RIC.

After the UIDGA builds the top level directory 250 in FIG. 16 (the directory 250 including portal address, RIC and hyperlinks for obtaining name and logo information from the portal for external service), when the browser 410 executes, the portal sends HTML files (logoicon1.html 710A, logoname1.html 712A, etc.) for icon and name representing external services to the device 11 for display on the GUI 220. These html files 710A, 712A can be from the same web site or different web sites (e.g., general web site such as the portal or service provider web site). Referring to FIGS. 17-18, thereafter, when a user clicks on an external link such as e.g. a cable service icon on the GUI 220 of the device 11 (e.g., HDTV), then a hyper link associated with that icon sends a request including RIC of device 11 to the portal 908 with regional support, and that portal 908 based on the RIC determines region of the device 11.

In a first embodiment of redirection, the portal 908 then redirects the request to a cable service provider 910 in the local region (or any other desired region) associated with the RIC. For example, the portal 908 redirects the request to the URL of that cable service provider 910 (e.g., ATT) whereby the browser 410 in device 11 is redirected to that cable service provider 910. After the redirection by the portal 908 the cable service 910 web page is displayed on the device 11 for user interaction. The HTTP redirect comprises the device 11 sending to the server portal 908 a HTTP request (including RIC) for a URL for service, and based on the RIC in the request the portal 908 provides a new URL of service provider portal 910 for service local to the device 11, wherein the browser 410 shows the contents of the web page of destination service provider 910 at the new URL on the device 11.

In a second embodiment of redirection, the portal 908 includes sets of html files 906 (e.g., including icons, names, URLs) associated with service providers 910. The html files are categorized based on RIC, such that there is a set of html files 906 corresponding to each RIC. Upon receiving an HTTP request with RIC from a device 11, the portal 908 uses the RIC to find the corresponding html files 906 in the portal 908, and sends the html files 906 associated with a destination portal 910 to the browser 410 of device 11 for display. The html files 906 include e.g. icon, name and URL of the destination portal 910 local to the device 11. Thereafter, when the user clicks on the icon/name of the destination portal displayed by the browser 410, the device 11 is directed to the URL of the destination portal 910.

In one implementation, two redirection programs 904 designated logoiconX and logonameX (for redirecting requests based on RIC) in the portal system 908 of external network 702 (FIG. 7) work for each service (e.g., cable, ISP, phone, etc.). The portal site 908 has access to a database of RICs 900 and local service providers, so that the portal 908 can look up the corresponding service provider 910 for different RICs and redirect HTTP requests from each device 11 based on that device's RIC (for displaying the local service provider information for that region on device 11). For example, for Zip code or phone area RIC, the database 900 can be a lookup table of ZIP/local Service or Area Code/Local Service for each service, and for IP address, it can be a database of IP address/Local service provider/HTML name in the portal 908 (the home portal). The database 900 is updated by the service providers, such as cable providers or ISPs 910.

The RIC is embedded into the top-level home network homepage 250 in the homepage generating process by the UIDGA 408. When a user accesses (e.g., clicks on) an RIC embedded HTTP link on the page 220, the HTTP request including an RIC is sent to the portal 908 in external network 702. Upon receiving the HTTP request with embedded RIC: (1) in the first implementation of redirection described above, each redirect program 904 (e.g., logoiconX and logonameX) on the portal 908 redirects the request to the URL of portal service 910 outside the portal 908 based on the RICs (e.g., corresponding to the correct local service providers), or (2) in the second implementation of redirection described above each redirect program 904 uses said html files 906 for redirection, wherein e.g. the logoiconX program redirects the HTTP request from the device 11 (e.g., HDTV 102) to a html file 906 corresponding to the RIC of the device 11 in the HTTP request in the portal 908, wherein the html file 906 includes a link to a destination service provider 910 (e.g., Att.com) corresponding to the RIC. In one example, the portal 908 sends the html files 906 associated with the destination portal 910 to the browser 410 of device 11 for display. The html files 906 include e.g. icon, name and URL of the destination portal 910 local to the device 11. Thereafter, when the user clicks on the icon/name of the destination portal displayed by the browser 410, the device 11 is directed to the URL of the destination portal 910.

The redirect programs can be programmed using any suitable program language, such as Java. There can be many destinations (e.g., URLs)available for one redirect program (e.g., LogoiconX or logonameX) to redirect a request to. The same redirect program can redirect using different kinds of RICs, for example, 5-digit Zip code, 9-digit Zip code, area code and IP address. Therefore, even mixed RICs can be used for the regional service support.

Appendix 14 shows an example redirection program example in Java Servlet, wherein the redirection program is named go.java (same function as the logoiconX or logonameX program). The redirect URL to the program is http://ip address/servlet/go, it will redirect the page immediately to, for example, the local service provider www.att.com. The RIC code can be easily added in the URL request like http://ip address/servlet/go?arecode=408, then the following program can be changed to get the RIC code, search the database, get the correct URL and then redirect.

Device icon spaces unused in the Top-level Home Network directory page 250 can be filled with service logos or icons and names from an external portal 908 (e.g., web site) provided by devices 704 in external network 702 (FIG. 7). For example, there can be as many as 12 unused icon spaces in the page 250 (FIG. 16) for a minimum network including one UI device 11. In that case, there are a minimum of 12 sets of redirection programs on the portal, serving different HTML files containing logo-graphic and logo-name for the RIC based GUI 220 (FIG. 12). Said redirection programs can be implemented in different ways such as CGI script/program, Java servlet/program, ASP, etc. In one example, the redirect program file names have a number from 1 to 12 (e.g., logoicon1 to logoicon12, logoname1 to logoname12), and are accessed in sequential order starting with number 1.

A software agent in each UI device (FIGS. 17-18) can make RICs available to the top-level home network homepage generator UIDGA. Then the RIC is embedded into the top-level home network homepage 250 (e.g., FIG. 16) in the homepage generating process by the UIDGA 408. A default RIC can comprise e.g. all zeros. The home network can propagate identification code to UI devices 11 using the same kind of RIC via e.g. a device-to-device control mechanism.

In one implementation of the UIDGA for regional service, redirection program names in the portal server such as logoiconX (e.g., logoicon1, logoincon2, etc.) and logonameX (e.g., logoname1, logoname2, etc.) are used for the logo and name links in logo-items and name-items in the page 250. These redirection programs redirect the request to specific HTML files according to RIC. The names of the logoicon1.htm, logoname1.htm, logoicon2.htm, logoname2.htm, etc. files are not standardized. The redirect programs 904 (logoiconX and logonameX) in the portal server 908 redirect the request to destination URLs for each local service provider according to RIC (e.g., redirect portal query to a local cable portal site).

In the above example, when a request for e.g. cable service from a device 11 is received by the Samsung portal, the portal uses the RIC information in the request and instead of providing the requested information from its own portal (e.g., yahoo.com or amazon.com), based on the RIC the portal redirects the request to the local cable service portal for services, such that the service is localized based on the RIC regional information.

Top-level Homepage with External Links and Regional Service

As described, an aspect of providing regional service is supported in the top-level homepage generating process UIDGA, wherein an RIC is embedded into the HTTP request to external web servers 908 of network 702 in the top-level homepage 220. For example, if CGI type redirect program logoiconX and logonameX is utilized on the portal, the icon redirection URL can comprise e.g.:

http://209.157.0.2/cgi-bin/logoicon1?zip=95134, or

http://209.157.0.2/cgi-bin/logoicon1?zip=951342111, or

http://209.157.0.2/cgi-bin/logoicon1?ipaddress=165.35.2.1, or

http://209.157.0.2/cgi-bin/logoicon1?areaCode=408.

Similarly, the name redirection URL can comprise e.g.:

http:/1209.157.0.2/cgi-bin/logoname1?zip=95134, or

http://209.157.0.2/cgi-bin/logoname1?zip=951342111, or

http://209.157.0.2/cgi-bin/logoname1?ipaddress=165.35.2.1, or

http://209.157.0.2/cgi-bin/logoname1?areaCode=408.

In the process of generating the top-level homepage, the UIDGA includes the RIC (e.g., Zip code) of the current UI device 11 into the HTTP link (e.g., Iogoicon2?zip=95134 in FIG. 16).

Obtaining RICs

RICs can be obtained and set up in the following example two methods. The first method comprises one-time user configuration, as shown by example in FIGS. 17 and 19, wherein user can input RIC code such as Zip code or area code into a software agent 902 in a one-time setup step. The second method comprises automatic configuration with the help of service providers as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20. An RIC software agent 902 in the UI device 11 (e.g., HDTV) can collect the RIC from the service provider automatically, for example, using a trace route program 912 in the portal 908. In cases where the RIC comprises area code or Zip code, said software agent 902 in a UI device 11 (e.g., HDTV 102) can activate a dial-in phone call (wire-based or wireless, directly from the device or through the home network) to the home portal 908. The home portal 908 can obtain the area code e.g., using caller ID. The portal 908 can further map the area code to CIP code. The software agent 902 in the device 11 can obtain this information, such as the area code or zip code as RIC for use by the UIDGA 408. Where the RIC comprises a Device or Home Network IP Address, the software agent 902 in the HDTV 102 can obtain the IP address from the HDTV 102 directly or from home network, then use it as the RIC for the HDTV 102.

In cases where the Service Provider IP Address is used as RIC, the IP address of service provider can be also used as RIC. First the RIC software agent 902 in HDTV 102 can call a TraceRoute program 912 in a portal site 908 of external network 702, and retrieve the intermediate IP addresses list. Then the RIC software agent 902 selects the service provider 910 IP address from the list according to a criteria (e.g., the nearest IP address with a domain name ending with “.net” can be selected). Then this IP address, or even domain name, can be used as RIC. The example steps can be used regardless of the type of RIC.

An example trace route program 912 is shown in Appendix 13, wherein after user configuration or automatic configuration, the RIC code is stored in the UI device 11 (e.g., on a hard disk therein). The trace program 912 traces all the hubs, gateways and routers that a message goes through when it is traversing e.g. the Internet, to discover that for example the message has gone through the cable

s head end router, allowing identification of the cable provider. If the request/message went through TCI

s router, the portal redirects to TCI

s portal.

Though in the examples described herein redirection from a portal to destination portals is based on a regional identification code, in another example redirection from one portal to another can based on other information in addition to, or in place of, a location or region of a device 11. Such other information can comprise e.g. information (e.g., age, education, etc.) about the user of a device 11, wherein redirection to destination portals is based on such information. Further, the destination service provider can be either external to the portal 908, or within the destination portal 908 for providing services. Therefore, the redirection programs 904 in the portal 908 can redirect a request from a device 11 to a service providers within the portal 908, or to portals 910 external to the portal 908.

Appendices 15, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are illustrative examples for htm files for generating the top level home network user interface description and GUI in FIGS. 13 and 16 including external links with regional support.

Architecture for Home Network on Word Wide Web

Referring to FIG. 22 in conjunction with the above description, in another aspect of the present invention, a web technology based home network (software) architecture in the home network (local network) 300 described hereinabove, is extended to outside the home network 300. The home network 300 includes devices 12 (e.g., FIG. 7, DTV 102, DVCR 120, etc.). A customer/user often needs to access the home network 300 from a remote site. For example, a traveler wants to start the home air conditioning system while arriving in the airport, program his VCR at home from an office computer to record a program, etc. The present invention provides an architecture (HomeNetOnWeb) for extending the device control and communication process to at least three systems, including: home portal 1050 (e.g., home portal 908 in FIG. 18), remote access devices 1052 with web browser, and the home network 300. As such, a secure, remote home network control is accomplished.

A remote user can access the home network 300 the same way as a user in the home, using HomeWideWeb technology described above. The remote user is provided with substantially the same look of home network directory page, and same way to control devices through the directory page. The user is provided with a similar home network GUI, HomeNetOnWeb GUI 1054 (e.g., remote home network directory page), on the remote access device 1052 (e.g., personal computer). All communication between the remote access devices 1052 and the home network 300 are through at least one home portal 1050 via secure communication. The remote user of home network 300 may access the home network 300 through any device 1052 such as e.g. PC, laptop, PDA, wireless phone, etc.

The HomeNetOnWeb GUI 1054 (GUI displayed on a remote access device) can be generated by a software agent UIDGA 408 (e.g., FIG. 9 c) in the gateway device 702 in the home network 300, and transmitted to the home portal 1050 for secure communication between remote devices 1052 and the home network 300 via a communication network 1056 (e.g., Internet). This software agent 408 ensures secure home network access and provides private/public IP address/URL mapping, described below. The gateway device 702 can include the same software agent for generating a GUI for the internal home network as for the remote access device 1052, but in the case of the latter uses different generating method as described hereinbelow.

In the example FIG. 22 of the basic architecture of HomeNetOnWeb architecture 1045 according to the present invention, and its relationship with devices 12 such as a Home Wide Web Web-TV 1058 (i.e., a digital TV that can have the home network technology and capability to discover devices on the home network 300 and display a home network directory page 220, whereby the user can control the discovered device through that TV 1058, described above). In this example, the architecture spreads the control and communication process on three systems: home portal 1050, remote access device 1052 with web browser, and the home network 300.

As shown in FIG. 22, all communication between the remote access devices 1052 and the home network 300 is through a home portal 1050 (e.g., HN Portal), which is a secure web site providing: secure data transmission between remote access device 1052 and the home portal 1050; secure data transmission between the home network 300 (e.g., through a home gateway device 702) and the home portal 1050; functions to redirect HTTP requests from remote access devices 1052 to the home network 300; storing the user access information, such as user login and password; and optionally storing the user information for customized or personalized access. More than one home network 300 can be connected to the portal 1050, and more than one portal 1050 can be included in the system 1045. FIG. 22 also shows direct communication between an external device 1052 (e.g., P.C.) and the home network 300 (not going through the home portal 1050) based on a trigger function to initialize a dial-up connection from the home network to ISP for dial-up connections to a communication device 1060 in the network 300, described further below.

A remote user of a home network 300 may access the home network 300 through any device 1052 such as e.g. PC, laptop computer, PDA, wireless phone, etc., wherein such devices include at least a display for GUI presentation and user interaction, and an HTML compatible web browser 200 (e.g., FIG. 4 a) to display the HTML based HN directory page 1054 and device page 202 (e.g., FIG. 4 a), with the example minimum client web browser 200 specified below.

For use in an embodiment of the present invention, the HTTP1.1, Section ‘8.1.2.1 Negotiation’ regarding connection persistence, is modified because the persistent connection is normal for 1394WEB user control to allow full status reporting while the GUI remains visible, wherein an HTTP/1.1 client shall expect a connection to remain open.

A GUI presentation engine 200, described above, is provided that interprets GUI descriptions 250 written in the HTML4.0 document description language and the associated example specifications listed below, and creates a graphical form for display to the user under user control. A HTML 4.0 compatible web browser in some remote access device could be utilized as the presentation engine.

-   -   WINDOW (GUI) MINIMUM DEFAULT SIZE=480×640 pixels, wherein this         default size is to ensure the intended appearance is transferred         to the user. The transferred GUI is displayed in a window         480×640 pixels or magnified larger with the same aspect ratio         unless otherwise directed by the user.     -   STILL IMAGE COMPRESSION formats: GIF89a, JPEG, PNG.     -   STYLE SHEET formats and fonts: CSS1 and CSS2.     -   FONTS: The following built-in fonts are used for the client         (browser) system to save simple server appliances from having to         support them. Other fonts can be used, such as minimum one from         each generic Latin family e.g.: Times New Roman, from ‘serif’         family, Helvetica, from ‘sans-serif’ family, Zapf-Chancery, from         ‘cursive’ family, Western from ‘fantasy’ family, and Courier         from ‘monospace’ family.     -   SCRIPTING LANGUAGE: ECMA-262.     -   The Web Browser need not use CACHE MEMORY for Device WEB PAGE         and CONTENTS.     -   Security requirement: To ensure the secure data transmission         between remote access device and home portal, the browser         supports at least SSL (Secure Socket Layer) 3.0.

Different remote access devices 1052 may have different versions of home network directory page 1054, and customized remote home network interfaces. For example, a hand-held device 1052 with low resolution may use a text only version, while a high-end PC may have a complex graphics interface. These customized HN directories (e.g., home network top level GUI 1054, Home Network Directory Page) can be accommodated using XSL, or the gateway device 702 may generate different versions.

The HomeNetOnWeb GUI (GUI displayed on a remote access device) 1054 can be generated by a software agent designated Remote HN Interface Generator agent 1062 (similar to UIDGA 408 of FIG. 9 c) in the gateway 702 device in the home network 300 and transmitted to a routing agent 1064 in the home portal 1050. The gateway 702 further includes a communication agent 1066 for address mapping as described further below. The routing agent 1064 in the home portal 1050 verifies secure communication between the remote device 1052 and the home network 300. The remote user can access and control the home network device 12 requested, and the home network directory page 1054 is from the home network 300 requested by the remote user. Once the home portal 1050 receives the home network directory page 1054 from home network 300, the home portal 1050 sends the page 1054 to the remote device 1052. For example, the HTML content of directory page 1054 can be read by a Java Servlet and then the HTML content is sent to Servlet output, which can be standard HTML display on the remote access device 1052. The agents ensures secure home network access private/public IP address/URL mapping, described further below.

To provide secure access to home network, in the example of FIG. 22, the communication agent 1066 in the gateway device 702 in the home network only allows communication with authorized or certified home portals 1050 and service providers when requested from outside the home network 300. In this way, for example, an office PC in a user's office will not be allowed to access the home network 300 directly, whereby the chances of breaking into the home network 300 are virtually eliminated.

The verification of certified home portal 300 is done by digital certificate issued by authorized Certification Authorities (CA). In each communication requested from outside the home network 300, the remote HN interface generator 1062 in the gateway device 702 performs steps including: (1) retrieving and checking the certificate of the counterpart in communication against authorized communication list, (2) if it is authorized home portal 1050, establishing secure connection, for example, using SSL, with the portal 1050 and (3) if it is not authorized home portal 1050, rejecting the connection request.

FIGS. 23A-D show example flowcharts of an embodiment of steps of providing remote access to a home network 300 according to the present invention. Generally, the Home Network owner initially registers home network information on the Home Portal 1050, wherein such information can include IP address of the home network 300, log in name for qualified users in the home network (HN), password for said qualified users, etc. That information is stored in the secure home portal 1050, wherein a user can access/modify the information via their home portal account. In one example, a user logs into her web account in home portal 1050 through secure HTTP connection (HTTPS). Special security is used between the home portal (e.g., HN Portal) 1050 and the Home Network Gateway 702 (e.g., HTTPS plus Public key and private key), while the security between remote access device 1052 (e.g., Remote PC) and home portal 1050 can include e.g. HTTPS.

In one example, a qualified remote access device 1052 utilizes certificates or other authorizations to communicate with the home portal 1050 as described above. Qualified portals 1050 are then allowed to communicate with the home network 300, specified by the owner of the HN 300 (e.g., only allow communication from www.homewideweb.com). The home network (HN) 300 is registered on the portal 1050, and is open to remote access devices 1052. Some home networks 300 may be private only. This can be set up by the owner on HN when they register their HomeNetOnWeb account on the portal 1050.

Referring to the flowchart in FIG. 23A, example steps of an embodiment of a process for loading remote HomeNetOnWeb directory Page 1054 is shown. The process is initiated by user request. Remote HN Interface Generator 1062 in the home network gateway device 702 generates the directory page 250 (FIG. 12, described above), wherein for a remote directory page, private/public IP address/URL mapping is utilized to include external addresses for the devices 12 in the directory page 250 used to generate the HomeNetOnWeb page 1054. For example, the user initiates the process and, for example, logs into home portal 1050 and click on his home network icon. The directory 250 is generated by the software agent 1062 (FIG. 23A). The remote directory version 1064 shows all the available devices 12 on the home network 300, same as inside a home network. The directory 1064 is loaded and displayed on the remote device 1052 that made the original request.

As described above, any device 12 in the home network with a Remote HN Interface Generator 1062 (in addition to, or in place of the gateway 702) can generate the directory page, and any remote device 1052 with a qualified GUI display can display the directory page whereby the uses can control other devices. Therefore, in this example, a remote user utilizes a remote device 1052 (e.g., using a remote PC) to initiate access to the home network 300 via the Internet 1056 (steps 900, 902). The remote device 1052 (e.g., PC) accesses the Home Portal 1050 to log into the Home Portal 1050. The user utilizes the web browser 200 on remote access device 1052 and the home portal IP address or domain name, communicating through secure HTTPS protocol. The home portal 1050 includes a login page, which the remote user utilizes to log in the home portal 1050 with a user ID/password. The remote device 1052 sends an HTTP Request to Home Portal 1050 to log in, securely using e.g. HTTP and SSL (step 904). Upon receiving the request, the Home Portal 1050 logs the user into the home portal (step 906). The Home Portal 1050 redirects or routes user's request to the home network gateway 702 using registered home network IP addresses in the home portal 1050 (registered when the home network account on the home portal is established along with qualified user ID/password) via security communication (step 908). The Home Network Gateway 702 verifies that secure access is from home portal 1050 e.g. by digital certificate and using proper entitlement information, such as login/password (step 910). The Home Network Gateway 702 generates and sends the home network directory page 1054 (remote version) (e.g., HomeNetOnWeb page per Appendix 20) to the home portal 1050 via secure communication (step 912). The Home Portal 1050 verifies that communication is from qualified Home Network Gateway 702, and if so redirects (routes) the remote home network directory page 1054 to remote access device 1052 via e.g. HTTPS (step 914). Remote access device 1052 then displays the home network directory page 1054 (e.g. remote version) for user interaction (step 916).

After loading the HomeNetOnWeb home directory page 1054 into the remote device 1052, a process to access a device control page 202 in the home network from the remote device 1052 can be executed by user for selected devices 12, as shown by example steps in the flowchart of FIG. 23B. The remote user uses the remote access device 1052 to access the home network 300 (steps 920, 922). The user clicks on a desired device icon 1068 on the HomeNetOnWeb directory page 1054 displayed on the user device display in the remote device 1052, and request is sent to the home portal 1050 (step 924). The Home Portal 1050 receives request which includes an external address of the selected device from the directory page 250 (step 926), and redirects (routes) user's request to the home network gateway 702 using a registered home network IP address in the home portal via special security communication (step 928). The Home Network Gateway 702 verifies secure access is from home portal 1050 (e.g., by digital certificate) and using proper entitlement information, such as login/password (step 930). The Home Network Gateway 702 discovers and communicates with the requested/selected device 12 in home network 300 using internal home network discovery (e.g., DDA agent 404 in FIG. 9 c) to obtain the control page 202 of the selected device 12 (e.g., TV 1058) (step 932). The Home Network Gateway 702 sends the requested device's control page 202 to the Home Portal 1050 (step 934). The Home Portal 1050 verifies the communication is from qualified Home Network Gateway 702, and if so, redirects the requested device's control page 202 to the remote access device 1052 via e.g. HTTPS (step 936). The remote access device 1052 displays the requested device's control page 202 (remote version) for interaction by the user (step 938).

After remote discovery and loading of the requested device's control page 202 into the remote access device 1052, a process to control the selected device 12 in home network 300 from remote device is executed, as shown by example steps in the flowchart of FIG. 23C. The remote user uses the remote access device 1052 to control the requested device 12 in the home network 300 (steps 940, 942). The user clicks on function control icon on the requested device's control page 202 displayed on the access device 1052, and a request is sent from the access device 1052 to the home portal (step 944). The home portal 1052 receives the user's request (step 946), and redirects (routes) the user's request to the home network gateway 702 using registered home network IP address in home portal 1050 by special security communication (step 948). The Home Network Gateway verifies secure access is from home portal 1050 (e.g. by digital certificate) and using proper keys and entitlement information, such as login/password (step 950). The Home Network Gateway 702 communicates with and controls the requested device 12 in the home network 300 using internal home network discovery approach (such as Device-to-Device control described above) (step 952). The Home Network Gateway 702 sends the device control result page (e.g. page showing VCR finished rewinding, generated by the controlled device such as the VCR) to the Home Portal 1050 (step 954). The result page is generated by the selected/requested (controlled) device (e.g., the user remotely sends a rewind command to a VCR device in the home network, and the VCR sends back a result page confirming rewinding). The Home Portal 1050 verifies the communication is from qualified Home Network Gateway 702, and if so, redirects (routes) the device control result page to the remote access device 1052 via HTTPS (step 956). The Remote access device displays device 1052 control result page (remote version) (step 958). The above steps can be repeated for controlling different devices 12 in the network 300.

Referring to FIG. 23D, in another aspect, the present invention further provides a trigger dialup internet connection from outside the home network 300. For example, for a DSL/Cable Internet connection, because the connection is always on, there is no need for this feature; however without such a connection, a dialup Internet connection is necessary, and in this embodiment it is initialized from the home network 300. When the user is at remote side, this feature is used to start the Internet connection between the home network 300 and the Internet 1056.

A 2-way Web (ISP) connection for the home network is provided. As discussed, if the home network is always connected to the Internet, the user-to-device and device-to-device control from inside and outside the home are similar, except for the Private-public IP address translation described below. However, for dialup Internet connection, the connection must be initialed. An example architecture to establish such a connection from outside the home is show in FIG. 22.

A phone call or software AutoDial in the remote device 1052 is used to start the Internet connection of home network remotely. A program in the remote PC 1052 dials in the phone 1060 in the home network, and transmits a specified code. The home network phone 1060 (e.g., an intelligent phone or other device in the home network) understands that this code is to start Internet connection. The home network phone 1060 (e.g., an intelligent phone or other device in the home network) hangs up the call and dials in the default ISP to initial the phone line Internet connection. Thereby, the home network 300 is connected to the Internet 1056, allowing the remote access device 1052 to log on to the home portal 1050 to access the home network 300 as described. The Internet connection is disconnected after remote user is done. The remote user is enabled to perform any user-to-device or device-to-device control, similar to a user in the home.

FIG. 23D shows example steps of an embodiment of Remote Phone Home Network Connection Activation above, according to the present invention. Remote user (e.g., using a remote PC) initiates access to the home network (step 960). A software agent in the remote PC 1052 dials in a intelligent phone 1060 in the home network 300, and transmits a pre-specified code (e.g., phone number combination) (step 962). The intelligent phone 1060 verifies the codes to establish Internet connection (step 964), and if the codes is verified, the intelligent phone hangs up and initializes modem dialup using the default ISP (default ISP is the home network default Internet account) to establish an Internet connection between the home network 300 and the ISP (step 966). Once Internet connection is established, the remote PC 1052 uses said remote discovery and control process, described above, to communicate with and control the home network devices as desired via the home portal 1050 (step 968). After remote control, the user can terminate the Internet connection using any home network user-to-device (U2D) and device-to-device (D2D) control approach (e.g., U2D, if a control page is available for the phone, the user goes to the page and clicks “stop Internet connection” button; D2D, once user stops the connection between remote user to HN through home portal for a certain time, home gateway can send a D2D control message to the modem to stop connection) (step 970). Alternatively, the Internet connection can time out if not terminated by the user through remote home network control (HomeNetOnWeb) such as the above U2D example (step 972).

In the aforementioned HomeWideWebNetwork model, most devices 12 in the home network use private addresses (e.g., Internet IP addresses) that are only valid inside the home network 300. In most cases, there is at least one public address (external IP address) for each home network 300 assigned by an ISP to the gateway device 702 or cable modem (interface device). Therefore, for a device 12 in the home network 300 to be controlled remotely, a mechanism (e.g., communication agent 1066 or GUI generation agent 1062) maps the internal (private) IP address to an external (public) IP address, and vice versa.

In one embodiment, when a remote user wants to remotely access the home network (FIGS. 22 and 24), the following steps are performed:

1 The user uses said remote access device 1052 to access the home portal web site 1050;

2. The home portal 1050 web site is displayed on the user's remote access device 1052;

3. User uses his/her home network user name and password, and follows the login process of the home portal 1050 to login to the home portal 1050 over a secure connection (e.g., SSL);

4. The home portal 1050 verifies the user's login and password, and if correct, the home portal 1050 contacts the home network (HN) gateway device over secure connection;

5. The Home Network Gateway 702 verifies that secure access is from home portal 1050 e.g. by digital certification and using proper keys and entitlement information, such as login/password;

6. If the request is from an authorized home portal 1050, connection will be established between the home portal 1050 and home network 300 (e.g., using SSL), otherwise, the connection request is rejected by the gateway device 702, and the remote access process terminates;

7. The remote HN interface generator 1062 or the communication agent 1066 performs private-public (i.e., Internal-external) IP address mapping (described below) and generates the remote HN directory page 1054;

8. The remote HN directory page 1054 is transmitted from the HN gateway device 720 to the home portal over 1050 a secure connection;

9. The remote HN directory page 1054 is transmitted from home portal 1050 (by the routing agent 1064) to the remote access device 1052 over a secure connection, and displayed by the remote access device 1052;

10. When the remote user clicks any HTTP links or icons associated with HTTP links on the page 1054 displayed on the remote access device 1052, the HTTP link is transformed (mapped) by a redirection (routing) software agent in the home portal 1050, providing a transformed link that is accepted by the gateway device 702;

11. Said remote HN interface generator 1062, communication agent 1066, or routing agent 1064 performs private/public IP address/URL mapping and maps the transformed link to the home network internal link and redirects the link to the controlled device 12 to finish the control function requested by the user (e.g., play, rewind, etc.).

12. The result of the finished function are presented as a web page and transmitted to the remote access device 1052 for display (similar to the HN directory page or device home page).

FIG. 24A shows a flowchart of steps of another example of a process to load remote HomeNetOnWeb directory Page with private/public IP address/URL mapping. The flowchart in FIG. 24A is similar to that in FIG. 23A, including additional steps of internal-external IP addressing. As shown in FIG. 24A, a remote user utilizes a remote device 1052 (e.g., using a remote PC) to initiate access to the home network 300 via the Internet 1056 (steps 900, 902). The user can communicate with home portal 1050 and home network 300 using the web browser on the remote access device 1052, the home portal IP address or domain name and secure protocol such as HTTPS. There is a login page in the home portal 1050, which a remote user utilizes to log in the home portal with a user ID/password. The remote device (e.g., PC) 1052 sends an HTTP Request to Home Portal to log in, securely using e.g. HTTP and SSL (step 904). Upon receiving the request, the Home Portal 1050 logs the user into the home portal 1050 (step 906). The Home Portal 1050 redirects (routes) user's request to the home network 300 gateway using registered home network IP addresses in the home portal 1050 (registered when the home network account on the home portal is established along with qualified user ID/password) via special security communication (step 908). The Home Network Gateway 702 verifies that secure access is from home portal e.g. by digital certification and using proper keys and entitlement information, such as login/password (step 910). The remote HN interface generator 1062 in the Home Network Gateway device uses the private/public IP address/URL mapping mechanism and generates the remote HN directory page with external addresses (step 911). The Home Network Gateway 702 sends the home network directory page 1054 (e.g., HomeNetOnWeb page per Appendix 20, described above) to the home portal 1050 via special secure communication (step 912). The Home Portal 1050 verifies that communication is from qualified Home Network Gateway 702, and if so redirects the home network directory page 1054 to remote access device 1052 via HTTPS (step 914). Remote access device 1052 then displays the home network directory page (e.g. remote version) for user interaction (step 916).

In the above example, the remote HN interface generator 1062 in the gateway performs the public-private (internal-external) address mapping (e.g., using a software agent). Generally at least one public IP address is available for the home network public IP address (e.g., the IP address for gateway device). For each private home network device URL (mapped link or mapped URL) in the home network 300, starting with private IP address in the HN directory page or device control home page, or other private control pages in the home network, mapping is performed as: the home portal 1050 IP address is used first, the HN 300 public IP address is used second, and device 12 private IP address is appended.

As such, if a home network control page 1054, such as home network directory page, or device control page 202 is needed remotely, the same UI generating process (described above) is utilized by external addresses of the devices 12 are provided in the directory page 1054. For home network directory 1054, additional steps for private-public address mapping are performed by GUI generator 1062 (e.g., in home gateway device 702) to map the internal/private HN IP addresses/URL to a public/external HN IP addresses/URL, for access by the remote device 1052 via the portal 1050. For other static control pages, such as the device control page, because typically it is not dynamically generated as HN directory page, a software agent in home gateway device (e.g., the same software agent for generating GUI) parses the page and applies the private/public IP address/URL mapping. Then the new page is sent to the remote device upon request.

In an example HN directory HTML page described above, each device in the home network is identified by its private IP address.

-   <FRAMESET ROWS=“73%, 27%”>     -   <FRAME SRC=“http://10.1.1.63/icon.htm” SCROLLING=“no” NORESIZE>     -   <FRAME SRC=“http://10.1.1.63/name.htm” SCROLLING=“no” NORESIZE> -   </FRAMESET>

Referring to the flowchart in FIG. 24B, example steps for generating a URL (mapped URL) for the remote access device using private-public (Internal-external) IP address/URL mapping, are shown, as performed by the Home Network Gateway device (or any other device in the home network) including the following steps.

The HTTP links and pages described above, are generated for each private home network device 12 URL (mapped link or mapped URL) in the home network 300 starting with device 12 private IP address in the HN directory page, or device control home page, or other private control pages in home network 300 (step 1020). If the is request from a remote device 1052, then a remote version 1054 of the home network directory page 220 or device control page 202 or other private control pages in home network is generated, as described by an example below.

The device 12 private URL (link) inside home network is utilized (e.g., http://Private IP address/else) (step 1022), and the private URL is prefixed by the HN 300 public IP address to redirect the URL (step 1024), wherein the modified URL becomes:

-   -   https://HN Public Address/agent?Private IP address/else,     -   (e.g., https://207.188.120.88/agent?10.1.1.63/icon.htm);

The prefix changes the URL for remote access purposes. As described, this is different for home network directory page 220 and other static pages.

The Home Portal 1050 IP address is prefixed to the modified URL and the URL redirected again (step 1026),wherein the new URL becomes:

-   https://Home Portal IP address/redirect?HN Public     Address/redirect?Private IP address/else, -   (e.g.,     https://211.45.27.151?redirect?207.188.120.88/agent?10.1.1.63/icon.htm);

The new URL (mapped URL) is a public URL used by the remote device 1052 for home network control.

The old private URL is replaced with the new public URL as the external address (step 1028). As such, the private URL is used in the directory page 200 for use in the home network 300, and the public URL (external address) is the URL used in the directory page 1054 for use by the remote access device 1052.

Further, the private version of the requested device's control page 202 initially contains the private URLs (links), and is then modified to include new public URLs (links), such that the control page 202 can be used remotely by the remote access device 1052. The new control page 202, is sent to the remote access device 1052 for display thereon (i.e., the home network gateway device send the page to the remote device) (step 1030).

Referring to the flowchart in FIG. 24C, example steps for private-public IP address/URL mapping based on user request are shown. A remote user requests access to home network 300 through the remote version URL in a home network page 1054 (generated above) (e.g., clicking on a link in the page 1054 with mapped URLs displayed on the remote access device) (step 1000). To ensure security, SSL can be used, such that http:// is mapped to https:// for the transmission of HN directory page 1054 and device home page. As discussed, in the mapped URL, the home portal 1050 IP address and request is used first, the HN 300 public IP address and software agent program name in home network gateway device is used second, while device private IP address is appended, as shown by example below:

-   -   https://Home Portal IP address/redirect?HN Public         Address/agent?Private IP address/else;

For example, if the home portal IP address is http://211.45.27.151, and the home network public IP address is http://207.188.120.88, then a private device link http://10.1.1.63/icon.htm is mapped to the following public accessed link: https://211.45.27.151?redirect?207.188.120.88/agent?10.1.1.63/icon.htm.

As shown the external address can include: (1) name of software agent in the home network 300 (e.g., devices 12 and/or gateway device 702) for providing services, and/or (2) name of software agent in the portal 1050.

When a user uses a remote access device 1052 to access the home network 300, because in the secure home network access model specified in Home Wide Web Architecture the remote access device 1052 cannot access the home network directly 300, the remote device accesses the home network through the home portal 1050. In this example, a software agent 1064 in the home portal transforms (routes) the command link so that the command from the authorized home portal 1050 is authorized by the gateway device 702. The remote access device 1052 sends the URL (i.e., a public URL from a home network control page including public URLs) to the home portal, and the home portal 1050 sends the URL to the home network 300 by URL redirection (as shown in FIG. 24C and the below example, the agent in the URL is a program that redirects HTTP or HTTPS requests; said software agent can be implemented using e.g. Java Servlet or CGI, etc.)

The home portal 1050 receives the request (e.g., mapped URL) and logs the user in as necessary (step 1002). Said software agent 1064 in the home portal, redirects the user's request to the home network 300 (step 1004), (i.e., parses and redirects the link

-   https://Home Portal IP address/redirect?HN Public     Address/redirect?Private IP address/else -   to -   https://HN Public Address/redirect?Private IP address/else (e.g.,     https://207.188.120.88/agent?10.1.1.63/icon.htm))

The HN gateway device 702 receives and verifies the request, from the home portal 1050 (step 1006). Another software agent (e.g., communication agent 1066), residing in the HN gateway device 702, parses and redirects the received request/link to the private IP address of the requested device 12 in the home network 300 (step 1008):

-   https://HN Public Address/agent?Private IP address/else -   to -   http://Private IP address/else

The link/URL after mapping is private IP address and URL and is valid only inside the home network 300, and is pointed to the requested device 12 in the HN 300.

The HN gateway device 702 sends responses to the remote access device 1052 via the home portal 1050 (step 1010). If the response to remote device 1052 through home portal is a HTML page which contains an HTTP or HTTPS link, then mapping is performed. The mapping occurs both ways: (1) from HN 300 to home portal 1050 to remote device 1052, in every remote version HN page, such as home network directory page 1054 or device control page 202, public URL (result URL after the mapping) is used instead of private URL (from private URL to public URL, URL gets longer by adding IP addresses and agents), and (2) from remote device 1052 to home portal 1050 to HN 300, the URL mapping is performed the other way (from public URL to private URL, URL gets shorter).

The remote access device 1053 displays said responses from the requested device 12 in the home network 300 (step 1012). A user then interacts with the displayed page on the remote access device as described above, for remotely communicating with, and controlling, the devices in the home network.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to the preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred versions contained herein. 

1. A method for providing user interfaces in a first network to a remote access device, the first network including first devices interconnected via a communication medium, and at least one interface device for connecting said first network to a portal, the user interfaces for controlling the devices that are currently connected to the first network, the method comprising the steps of: (a) the remote access device establishing communication with the portal for accessing the first network; (b) the remote access device sending a request to the portal for accessing the first network, and the portal receiving the request and redirecting the request to the interface device in the first network; (c) at least one device in the first network obtaining information from one or more of said first devices currently connected to the first network, said information including device information, and generating a user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information of each of said one or more first devices, said reference including an external address for the associated device in the first network, such that the associated device is accessible via the portal using said external address; (d) the interface device sending the user interface description to the portal and the portal sending the user interface description to the remote access device; and (e) dynamically generating a user interface that includes device-specific information based on the user interface description, the remote access device displaying the user interface based on the user interface description, for user interaction with, and control of, the devices that are currently connected to the first network; wherein said external address for each associated device in the first network includes a private address of that device in the first network, a public address of the first network, and an address of the portal.
 2. A method for providing user interfaces in a first network to a remote access device, the first network including first devices interconnected via a communication medium, and at least one interface device for connecting said first network to at least a second network including a portal for providing services, the user interfaces for controlling the devices that are currently connected to the first network, the method comprising the steps of: (a) registering the first network with the portal, and the remote access device establishing communication with the second network for access to the first network via the portal; (b) the remote access device sending a request to the portal in the second network for accessing the first network, and the portal receiving the request and redirecting the request to the interface device in the first network; (c) at least one device in the first network obtaining information from one or more of said first devices currently connected to the first network, said information including device information, and generating a user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information of each of said one or more first devices, said reference including an external address for the associated device in the first network, such that the device is accessible via the second network using said external address; (d) the interface device sending the user interface description to the portal and the portal sending the user interface description to the remote access device; and (e) dynamically generating a user interface that includes device-specific information based on the user interface description, the remote access device displaying the user interface based on the user interface description, for user interaction with, and control of, the devices that are currently connected to the first network; wherein the external address for a device in the first network includes: a private address for the device in the first network; a public address of the first network; and an address of the portal.
 3. A method for providing user interfaces in a first network to a remote access device, the first network including first devices interconnected via a communication medium, and at least one interface device for connecting said first network to at least a second network, the user interfaces for controlling the devices that are currently connected to the first network, the method comprising the steps of: (a) the remote access device establishing communication with the second network; (b) the remote access device sending a request to the interface device via the second network for accessing the first network; (c) at least one device in the first network obtaining information from one or more of said first devices currently connected to the first network, said information including device information, and generating a user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information of each of said one or more first devices, said reference including an external address for the associated device in the first network, such that the device is accessible via the second network using said external address, wherein said external address for each associated device includes a private address of that device in the first network, an address of the first network and an address for the second network, such that said device in the first network is accessible via the second network; (d) the interface device sending the user interface description to the remote access device via the second network; and (e) dynamically generating a user interface that includes device-specific information based on the user interface description, the remote access device displaying the user interface based on the user interface description, for user interaction with, and control of, the devices that are currently connected to the first network.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein generating said external address for each associated device in the first network further includes generating said external address to further include a name of a software agent in that device for providing services.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein generating said external address for each corresponding device in the first network further includes generating said external address to further include a name of a software agent in the first network for providing services.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein generating said external address for each corresponding device in the first network further includes generating said external address to further include a name of a software agent in the second network for providing services.
 7. The method of claim 3, wherein the remote access device communicates with the second network using secure communication.
 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the second network communicates with the interface device using secure communication.
 9. The method of claim 3, wherein: the remote access device communicates with the second network using secure communication; and the second network communicates with the interface device using secure communication; whereby the remote access device communicates with the first network securely.
 10. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of: (f) the remote access device receiving user input via the displayed user interface, requesting access to a selected device in the first network; (g) the remote access device sending a request including an external address from the user interface description for the selected device, to the interface device via the second network for accessing the selected device; and (h) the interface device using said external address to communicate the request to the selected device.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein: the second network includes at least a portal for providing services, the method further including the step of registering the first network with the portal; step (g) further includes the steps of: the remote access device sending said request to the portal for accessing the selected device; the portal receiving the request and using said external address in the request to send the request to the interface device in the first network.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of generating said user interface description further includes the steps of generating said external address for each associated device, including a private address of that device in the first network, an address of the first network and an address of the portal, such that said device in the first network is accessible by the remote device.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein generating said external address for each associated device in the first network further includes generating said external address to further include a name of a software agent in that device for providing services.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein generating said external address for each associated device in the first network further includes generating said external address to further include a name of a software agent in the first network for providing services.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein generating said external address for each associated device in the first network further includes generating said external address to further include a name of a software agent in the second network for providing services.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein said external address for each associated device in the first network includes the private address of that device in the first network prefixed by the public address of the first network prefixed by the address of the portal.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein step (g) further includes the steps of: transforming the external address to a modified address including said private address of the device in the first network prefixed by the public address of the first network, and the portal using the address of the first network in the external address to send the request with said modified address to the interface device in the first network.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein step (h) further includes the steps of: transforming said modified address to a private address including said private address of the selected device in the first network, and the interface device using the private address of the selected device in the first network to communicate with the device in the first network.
 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: (i) the interface device obtaining information from the selected device, said information including device information, and generating a device user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information of the selected device; (j) the interface device verifying that the request from the portal is a qualified request, and upon verification, sending the device user interface description to the remote access device via the portal; and (k) the remote access device displaying a device user interface based on the device user interface description, for user interaction with the selected device.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: (l) the remote access device receiving user input via the displayed device user interface, requesting control of the selected device in the first network; (m) the remote access device sending a request for control of the selected device to the interface device via the portal, the request including said corresponding external address for the selected device; (n) the portal sending the request to the interface device in the first network after verification; (o) the interface device sending the request for control to the selected device, and the selected device performing a service based on the request for control; (p) the interface device obtaining response information from the selected device; (q) the interface device sending the response information to the remote access device via the portal; and (r) the remote access device displaying said response information.
 21. A system for providing access to first devices in a local network via an external network, comprising: a user interface description generation agent in a device in the local network, configured for: (a) obtaining information from one or more of said first devices currently connected to the local network, said information including device information, wherein each first device in the local network further includes a control user interface description contained in the first device for user interaction with that first device; and (b) generating a user interface description including at least one reference associated with the device information of each of said one or more first devices, said reference including an external address for the associated device in the local network, such that the associated device is accessible from remote access device via the external network using said external address; an interface agent configuring an interface device in the local network for establishing communication between the external network and the local network, and sending the user interface description to the remote access device via the external network; wherein the remote access device establishes communication with the external network for receiving said user interface description from the first network via the interface agent and the external network, dynamically generating a user interface that includes device-specific information based on the user interface description, and displaying the user interface based on the received user interface description for access to the control user interface description contained in one or more of the first devices by the remote access device, and user interaction with, and control of, the devices that are currently connected to the local network.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein: the external network includes at least a portal for providing services; the remote access device is configured for sending a request for accessing the local network to the portal, the portal including a routing agent for receiving the request and sending the request to the interface device; and the interface device includes an agent for sending the user interface description to the portal, wherein said routing agent in the portal sends the user interface description to the remote access device; the user interface description generation agent generates said user interface description such that each external address for each associated device, includes a private address of that device in the local network, an address of the local network and an address of the portal, such that said device in the local network is accessible by the remote device via the portal.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein each external address for each associated device further includes a name of a software agent in that device for providing services.
 24. The system of claim 22, wherein each external address for each associated device further includes a name of a software agent in the local network for providing services.
 25. The system of claim 22, wherein each external address for each associated device further includes a name of a software agent in the external network for providing services.
 26. The system of claim 22, wherein said external address for each associated device in the first network includes the private address of that device in the first network, the public address of the first network and the address of the portal.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein: the private address for each device in the first network comprises an IP address in the first network; the first network public address comprises a public IP address for the first network; and the portal address comprises an IP address of the home portal.
 28. The system of claim 26, wherein: the routing agent in the portal transforms the external address in the request from the remote access device to a modified address including a private address of the device in the local network prefixed by a public address of the local network, and the routing agent uses the address of the local network in the external address to send the request with said modified address to the interface device in the local network.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein: the interface device transforms said modified address to a private address including said private address of the selected device in the local network, the interface device uses the private address of the device in the local network to communicate with the selected device in the local network.
 30. The system of claim 22, further comprising identification information for the local network, and authorization information for accessing the local network, wherein: the routing agent in the portal sends the request to the interface device using said identification information for the local network; the interface device is configured for authorizing access to the local network based on said authorization information; the remote access device provides user identification information in said request; and the interface device is configured for comparing the user identification information to the authorization information, and authorizing access to the local network only if one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied.
 31. The system of claim 22, wherein: the routing agent in the portal is configured for determining if the request is from a qualified remote access device, and if so, sends the request to the interface device.
 32. The system of claim 22, wherein the remote access device communicates with the portal using secure communication.
 33. The system of claim 22, wherein the portal communicates with the interface device using secure communication.
 34. The system of claim 22, wherein: the remote access device communicates with the portal using secure communication; and the portal communicates with the interface device using secure communication; whereby the remote access device communicates with the local network securely.
 35. The system of claim 34, wherein: the remote access device is configured for receiving user input via the displayed user interface, requesting access to a selected device in the local network, and sends a request including an external address from the received user interface description for the selected device, for accessing the selected device to the interface device via the external network; and the interface device includes an agent configured for using said external address to communicate the request to the selected device.
 36. The system of claim 35, wherein: the remote access device sends said request to the portal for accessing the selected device; and the portal further includes a routing agent that uses said external address in the request to send the request to the interface device in the local network.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein said external address for each associated device further includes name of a software agent in the portal for providing services.
 38. The system of claim 35, wherein: the interface device is configured for obtaining information from the selected device, said information including a control user interface description and sending the control user interface description to the remote access device via the portal, such that the remote access device displays a device control user interface based on the device user interface description, for user interaction with the selected device.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein: the remote access device is configured for receiving user input via the displayed device control user interface, requesting control of the selected device in the local network, and sending a request for control of the selected device to the interface device via the portal, the request including said external address for the selected device; the portal routing agent, upon receiving the request, uses the external address to send the request to the interfaced device; the interface device agent sends the request for control to the selected device, such that the selected device performs a service based on the request for control, and the interface device obtains response information from the selected device and sends the response information to the remote access device via the portal, wherein the remote access device displays said response information.
 40. The system of claim 22, wherein: the remote access device is further configured for establishing a connection with the interface device in the local network via a communication link, and transmitting identification information to the interface device; and the interface agent verifies the identification information, and if verified, the interface agent terminates said connection with the remote access device, and establishes communication with the remote access device via the external network.
 41. The network system of claim 40, wherein the interface device includes a smart phone.
 42. The network system of claim 40, wherein the remote access device establishes dialup Internet connection with the interface device.
 43. The system of claim 21, wherein the local network comprises a 1394 network, and the external network comprises a non-1394 network.
 44. The system of claim 21, wherein the interface device comprises a gateway device.
 45. The system of claim 21, wherein the external network comprises a plurality of interconnected second devices providing one or more services.
 46. The system of claim 45, wherein: the external network comprises the Internet, and at least one of said second devices providing services comprises one or more web servers providing services.
 47. The system of claim 46, wherein a service provided by at least one of the second devices connected to the external network comprises a web site service.
 48. The system of claim 21, wherein each reference in the user interface description associated with devices in the local network comprises at least one hyper-text link to device information of the devices in the local network.
 49. The system of claim 21 further comprising said remote access device. 